Biology final project JK African Elephant Biology final project JK

Identify organism family, genus, and species Family organism: Elephantidae Genus: loxodonta Species: Africana

Description of physical appearance, anatomy and physiology A combination of the upper lip and nose Elephants use their trunk for things smelling, breathing, and detecting vibrations

Area is relatively flat terrain with a few hills to the northwest. Habitat (description of where an organism lives) and Niche (the role of the organism within its community) Area is relatively flat terrain with a few hills to the northwest. The vegetation consists primarily of Acacia-Commiphora, open grassland, riverines and bushland with shattered trees.

Symbiotic Relationships Some of the species that elephants do interact with, either directly or indirectly, include birds, baboons, and antelope

Source of Energy for organism. What eats it? What does it eat? Some times younger elephants can get lost or die from dehydration, and when that happens animal like bird and other rodents will eat it Also, the adults rarely are eaten by predators because their size and strength makes them difficult to hunt. The vegetation consists primarily of Acacia-Commiphora, open grassland, riverines and bushland with shattered trees. The get this by using there trunks

Reproduction: How? How often? How many The female will start a 22-month gestation period. Elephants only give birth once every 5 years Successfully raising their offspring is critical for their survival.

Reproductive benefits for survival When the calf is born, aunts, sisters, and cousins all help care for the newborn. in this way, all the elephants of the herd learn essential lessons in rearing a baby. Successfully raising their offspring is critical to their survival

Threats or environmental hazards to the organism It is vital to take steps in their conservation. Poaching and urban sprawl pose a massive threat to their survival.

Threats that the organism may pose to other organisms That they may not be able to reproduce so they may not be eating the leaves off trees So this will cause the plants to die

Importance of Organism They need to be alive so that they can help keep the other things like trees from over growing or dying

citations "Animal Facts - National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 June 2014. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals "African Elephant Facts for Kids | Elephants | African Animals." Animal Fact Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/african-elephant/>. http://seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-infobooks/elephants/scientific-classification/