African Elephant Research Paper

The african elephant lies in the phylum chordata because it has tissues, and a coelom. Along with having these two attributes, it is bilaterally symmetrical and also possesses a dorsal,tubular nerve cord and a postanal tail. It lies in the class Mammalia because it possess hair which is made of keratin, the hair provides insulation. It is endothermic (the majority of the heat energy is used to maintain their high body temperature). It has a 4 chamber heart. They also have mammary glands that are used to produce milk to nourish their young. Their diaphragm is a muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. They have an extended gestation period, well developed brain, and teeth which are imbedded in the jaw bone and come in a variety of forms. …show more content…
On average, males are 3.3 metres (10.8 ft) tall at the shoulder and 5.5 tonnes (12,130 lb) in weight, while females are much smaller at 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) tall and 3 tonnes (6,610 lb) in weight. The most characteristic features of African elephants are their very large ears, which they use to radiate excess heat, and their trunk, a nose and an extension of the upper lip with two opposing extensions, or "fingers" at the end of it (in contrast to the Asian elephant, which only has one). The trunk is used for communication and handling objects and food. African elephants also have bigger tusks, large modified incisors that grow about 7 inches a year throughout an elephant's life. They occur in both males and females and are used in fights and for marking, feeding, and