Animals of the World: E

The elephant is the largest living land animal, recognized by its long trunk, large ears, and tusks. Elephants are highly social, living in family groups led by an older female, and they are intelligent animals with long memories and complex behavior. They feed on large quantities of vegetation each day and play an important role in shaping their habitats by clearing trees and dispersing seeds.

Several other notable animals have names beginning with E. The eland is a large African antelope, among the biggest of the antelopes, and like other hooved animals it grazes and browses on plants. The emu is a tall flightless bird native to Australia, second in height only to the ostrich, and it runs swiftly across open country. The elk is one of the largest members of the deer family, the males bearing impressive branching antlers that they shed and regrow each year.

Birds of prey are represented by the bald eagle, a large raptor with a distinctive white head and tail as an adult. It is a powerful hunter and fish-eater found across North America and serves as a national symbol of the United States. These animals span very different groups, from mammals and birds to grazing antelope, illustrating the variety of forms within the animal kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

What is an eland?

The eland is a large African antelope, one of the biggest antelope species. It is a hooved plant-eater that browses and grazes in herds.

Can an emu fly?

No. The emu is a flightless bird native to Australia. It cannot fly but is a fast runner across open ground.

Why does the elk grow and shed antlers?

Male elk grow antlers each year, mainly used in competition during the breeding season, and shed them afterward, regrowing a new set the following year.