African elephants....

[Ctuchik]

so just watched american choppers where they went to africa.


and there they had a tour and got explained to them why african elephants has that particular name. and according to the guide its because of the shape on their ears. as in, they look like the african continent. now i have a slight problem believing this and have tried googeling for the answer but came up with nothing relevant.


anyone have a page that gives the answer? preferably one thats trustworthy.

 

[Olgaline]

hehe,
Thats incorrect.

But thumbs up to the guide for pulling thier leg

 

[Helme]

Reason they are called African elephants is probably because they differ in size from the Indian ones iirc.

That, and they come from Africa.

 

[Olgaline]

Reason they are called African elephants is probably because they differ in size from the Indian ones iirc.

That, and they come from Africa.

yep!

and not to mention they are a seperate species to The Indian elephant.
infact even the African is split into two species.


but to sum it up african elephant = elephants in africa

it's that simple, and no dragging an indian one to africa doesnt make it an african elephant, it makes it an indian elephant in africa "you know you sadly you need this disclaimer on OT"

 

[Lamp]

Its like asking someone why their name is Peter. Because thats his name. If his name wasn't Peter it wouldn't be Peter. Peter's his name because he's called Peter.

 

[Tilda]

Could it be that you misunderstood it?

African elephants have different *shaped* ears, but not african shaped ears!
but they are a different shape to their indian cousins.
There are also anatomical differences in the trunk and skull, not to mention their general size(indian usually smaller)

 

[old.Tohtori]

Size, tusks, feet, ears.

Differentials in the two.

The ears are shaped a bit like africa, it's a fun fact, but no "naming" fact.

 

[Lethul]

tilda might be on to something!

 

[Lethul]

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
The Indian and African elephants are different by a indian elephant has a twin domed forehead,large pinna arched back,5 toenails,in front 4 in back, the african elephant has 4 toenails in front,3 in back,flat forehead,concave back,and very large ears or pinna also shaped like africa,Hope that helps please choose me as best answer.

 

[Lamp]

African elephants are better dancers
Asian elephants are more sensitive lovers

 

[Olgaline]

the arfican savana has 4 and 3
the african bush elephant actually has 4 & 5

 

[leviathane]

Look out it's Bill Oddie