The African Elephant : A Guide to Their Unique Characteristics
Elephants have modified incisor teeth called tusks, which are present on both sexes. While tusks are present at birth, they grow out after a year and are replaced by permanent ones. The elephant's tusks will keep growing during its lifetime. The enormous ears of an African elephant have various functions as well. The huge surface area of the ears aids in dissipating extra heat in the intense African sun. Another common method of visual communication is through the ears. Ear flapping can be used to express happiness or hostility.