Elephants and Their Unique Ears

What are elephants known for?

• Intelligence, complex social behavior, memory, and size

• Flying abilities and sharp claws

• Fast running speed and small ears

• Camouflage and night vision

How large can the ears of African elephants grow?

• 6.6 feet (2 meters) long and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide

• 10 feet (3 meters) long and 2 feet (0.6 m) wide

• 3 feet (1 meter) long and 2 feet (0.6 m) wide

• 8 feet (2.5 meters) long and 5 feet (1.5 m) wide

Which animal has the largest ears relative to the size of its body?

• Long-eared jerboa (Euchoreutes naso)

• African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

• Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

• Giraffe

Why do elephants have such large ears?

• To keep themselves cool

• To help them fly

• To hear underwater sounds

• To attract mates

Why don’t elephants sweat like humans?

• They have very little body hair and do not really sweat

• They live in cold climates

• Their skin is waterproof

• They drink a lot of water

What is the main function of the large blood vessels in an elephant's ears?

• To help the elephant hear better

• To help the elephant thermoregulate

• To store extra nutrients

• To help the elephant breathe

How much of their blood supply can elephants move through their ears at any one time?

• About 5%

• About 10%

• About 20%

• About 50%

Why do elephants flap their ears when they get warm?

• To scare away predators

• To communicate with other elephants

• To help cool their blood and regulate body temperature

• To attract mates

What happens to the blood in an elephant's ears as it releases heat into the air?

• The blood becomes warmer

• The blood becomes cooler

• The blood turns blue

• The blood thickens

How do elephants regulate their temperature using their blood vessels?

• By expanding or constricting their blood vessels

• By changing the color of their skin

• By drinking more water

• By sleeping during the day