How Does an Elephant use it's Trunk?

The boys learned about how many ways an elephant uses its trunk. The trunk of the African elephant and the Asian elephant is another way they differ. The African elephant's trunk has two finger-like growths at their tip, called a proboscis and the Asian elephants have only one. These enable the elephants to grasp food and other small objects by stripping vegetation from branches and pulling grass from the ground. Their trunks are also sensitive and dexterous enough to enable elephants to pick up objects of various sizes, and judge their weight and composition.

Elephants also relieve their thirst by using their trunks to suck water from rivers and watering holes. The trunk of an adult elephant can hold up to ten quarts of water! 

African elephants also use their trunks to take dust baths, which help to repel insects and guard against the harmful rays of the sun.

Elephants also point their trunks in different directions to sample the air for scents. They rarely swim, but when they do, elephants can hold their trunks out of the water like snorkels so they can breath.   

And, in some instances, elephants even use their trunks to to fend off attackers. It won't do much damage to a charging lion, but it can make the him seem like more trouble than it's worth.


The boys acted out how elephants use their trunks and narrated what they remembered.


sources: 

  • Strauss, Bob. "How Does an Elephant Use its Trunk?" ThoughtCo, Sep. 10, 2021, thoughtco.com/about-elephants-trunks-129966.
  • GEMS: Elephants and their Young
  • Grades Preschool-1
    4 Activities
    100 Pages

    In these playful and interesting activities, young children learn all about the African elephant, its unique body structure, and its fascinating social behaviors. Activities on elephant tusks, trunks, feet, and families involve young children in learning basic science concepts through art, drama, and role-playing. Mathematics and physical science concepts include measurement, weight, volume, and comparisons of many kinds. Children also learn about elephant conservation efforts.

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