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有蹄类动物(ungulate),长鼻目(order Proboscidea)象科(family Elephantidae)的两个种类。特点是身躯高大,具长鼻,腿圆柱状,耳大,头巨大。象浅灰至褐色,体毛稀疏而粗糙。象鼻用来呼吸、喝水和取食。象吃草、叶子和水果。非洲撒哈拉以南的非洲象(African elephant, Loxodonta africana)是现存最大的陆地动物,重可达16,500磅(7,500公斤),肩高10~13尺(3~4公尺)。生长於印度次大陆和南亚的印度象(Indian elephant, Elephas maximus)重约12,000磅(5,500公斤),肩高10尺(3公尺)。两者皆生活在茂密的丛林到热带稀树草原,以小的家族群形式活动,由年老母象带领。大多数雄象离开雌象单独成群。象随着可得到的食物和水的情况而进行季节性迁徙。一天消耗的青草和其他植物可超过500磅(225公斤)。印度象被认为是濒危种,而非洲象也面临数量减少的危机。

elephant

Either of two ungulate species in the order Proboscidea (family Elephantidae), characterized by their large size, long trunk, tusks, massive legs, large ears, and huge head. Both species are grayish to brown, with sparse, coarse body hair. The trunk is used for breathing, drinking, and reaching for food. Elephants eat grasses, leaves, and fruit. The African elephant (Loxodonta africana), of sub-Saharan Africa, is the largest living land animal, weighing up to 16,500 lbs (7,500 kg) and standing 10-13 ft (3-4 m) tall at the shoulder. The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus), of the Indian subcontinent and South Asia, weighs about 12,000 lbs (5,500 kg) and stands about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Both species live in habitats ranging from thick jungle to savanna, in small family groups led by old cows. Most bulls live in bachelor herds. Elephants migrate seasonally. They may eat more than 500 lbs (225 kg) of vegetation daily. The Indian elephant is considered endangered and the African elephant threatened.

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