External Structures of Animals – Elephants

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Animals have parts on the outside of their bodies, called external structures, that help them to survive and get the things they need to grow and reproduce. Let’s look at some of the external structures of elephants.

Elephants are well known for their impressive trunks. The trunk is actually a nose. It’s used to smell, breathe and shovel food and water into the elephant’s mouth.

Tusks are modified teeth. They are used to dig, gather food and for protection against predators. In the social life of elephants, tusks can show who's in charge, especially among males.

Elephants use their huge ears for hearing, picking up sounds from far away. Being so large, the
ears have a large surface area with blood vessels close to the surface. By flapping their ears, they can lower their body temperature. Elephants also use their ears for communication, with different ear positions telling other elephants how they're feeling.

Wrinkly skin helps to trap moisture between the cracks. This helps to reduce water loss and keep the elephant cool in its often hot and dry environment.

Elephants have a tail with a hairy tip. They use their tails to swish away insects and other small biting animals.

Elephants rely heavily on their sturdy legs and broad feet to move in their varied habitats. Their massive legs, strong enough to support their considerable weight, also enable them to move surprisingly quietly despite their size. Elephants can walk long distances in search of food and water, demonstrating remarkable endurance. Additionally, when faced with a threat, these powerful legs can swiftly carry them to safety, either by swiftly moving away or by charging at the threat to intimidate it. Sensitive pads on their feet can detect ground vibrations, providing another means of communication and awareness of their environment.

All of these external structures of elephants, work together with its range of internal structures to help the elephant obtain the things it needs to live, grow and carry out life processes.