Difference between Asian Elephants and African Elephants
|
GS Paper |
|
|
Topics for UPSC Prelims |
|
|
Topics for UPSC Mains |
The animal kingdom is vast and diverse, with many species often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearances. A common example of this is the confusion between Asian elephants and African elephants. Although these elephants may look similar at first glance, they are distinct in their physical attributes. The difference between Asian elephants and African elephants can be observed in their physical characteristics, habitats, and conservation status.
Let's dive deeper into the Difference between Asian Elephants and African Elephants, which can be an interesting topic for the Civil Services Examination. Candidates preparing for the IAS Exam will find this article particularly beneficial.
Learn more about the critically endangered animal species of India!
About Asian Elephants
Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are native to the Asian continent. They are the largest land animals in the region. They have distinct features, including smaller ears, a rounded back, and a single "finger" at the end of their trunks.
Learn more about the Human animal Conflict!
UPSC Beginners Program
Get UPSC Beginners Program - 60 Days Foundation Course SuperCoaching @ just
People also like
About African Elephants
African elephants (Loxodonta africana and Loxodonta cyclotis) are found in various regions of Africa. They are the largest land animals on Earth. They have distinguishing features, such as larger ears, a more elevated back, and two "fingers" at the end of their trunks.
Learn more about the National Animal of India!
Difference between Asian Elephants and African Elephants
Here is a comprehensive table outlining the key differences between Asian and African Elephants:
| Difference between Asian Elephants and African Elephants | |
|
Asian Elephants |
African Elephants |
|
Asian elephants have a twin-domed head with an indent running up the centre of their head. |
African elephants have fuller, more rounded heads, and the top of their head is a single dome shape. |
|
Asian Elephant ears are much smaller, almost semi-circular in shape. |
The ears of African elephants are much larger, almost shaped like the African continent. |
|
The Asian Elephant is comparatively smaller than its African counterpart. Adults reach 3.5 metres |
Of the two elephant species, the African elephant is the larger one. Adults reach a height of 4 metres. |
|
Asian Elephants weigh between 3000 and 6000 kg. |
African Elephants weigh between 4000 and 8000 kg. |
|
Only Asian elephant males have tusk while females have rudimentary tusks called tushes. |
Both male and female African elephants have tusks. |
|
Asian elephants have long, tapered lower lips. |
African elephants’ lower lips are short and round. |
|
Asian elephants have smoother skin compared to their African counterparts. |
African elephants’ skin is far more wrinkled and rough. |
|
Asian elephants’ teeth have a compressed diamond-shaped tooth profile. |
African elephant teeth are ‘loxodont’ (or sloping), a term which gives them their scientific name Africana Loxodonta. |
|
Asian Elephants are found in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. |
African elephants range across the rainforests of West and Central Africa and through the savannas and deserts of Africa. |
|
Asian elephants can live up to 48 years. |
African elephants can live up to 70 years. |
Learn more about the Causes of biodiversity loss!
|
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
|
We hope all your doubts regarding this topic have been addressed after going through this article. Ace your UPSC preparation with the Testbook App! For a comprehensive understanding of the general pattern of competitive exams, please visit the Syllabus page.
More Articles for IAS Preparation
- Women in STEM
- Geomagnetism
- Jain Literature
- Deciphering Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plants
- Kunming Declaration
- Difference Between Montessori and Traditional Schools - Testbook
- Difference Between Non-Resident Indian (NRI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) | Testbook
- Difference between History and Prehistory - Detailed Explanation for UPSC Exam | Testbook.com
- Difference between Nationalism and Patriotism - Detailed Comparison
