Did You Know That ? Encyclopedia of Curious and Interesting Facts - страница 14

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working together to solve problems, and even showing kindness to others.


Importance to the Ecosystem

African elephants are very important to the African ecosystem. They help to control the growth of plants and create clearings in the forest that other animals can use. Elephants also spread seeds, which helps to keep the forest healthy.


Threats and Conservation

African elephants are facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. Poaching for their ivory tusks is a major problem, and has led to a decrease in elephant populations. Conservation efforts are underway to protect African elephants and their habitats.


Conclusion

The African elephant is a truly amazing creature that plays a vital role in the African ecosystem. Its intelligence, social behavior, and importance to the environment make it a species that we should all care about. By learning more about African elephants and supporting conservation efforts, we can help to ensure that these gentle giants continue to roam the savanna for generations to come.


WORDLIST:

shoulder – плечо

intelligence – интеллект

physical features – физические характеристики

distinctive – отличительный

tusks – бивни

male – самец

female – самка

curved – изогнутый

digging – копание

fans – веера

to cool down – охладиться

flapping – хлопанье

increasing airflow – увеличение потока воздуха

trunk – хобот

grabbing – хватание

tools – инструменты

solve problems – решать проблемы

clearings – поляны

spread seeds – распространять семена

threats – угрозы

habitat loss – потеря среды обитания

poaching – браконьерство

decrease – уменьшение

generations – поколения


QUESTIONS:

What are some of the distinctive physical features of African elephants?

How do African elephants use their trunks?

Describe the social behavior of African elephants.

How are African elephants intelligent?

What is the importance of African elephants to the ecosystem?

What are the threats facing African elephants?

How do African elephants communicate with each other?

What is the role of the matriarch in an elephant family group?

How do elephants help to control the growth of plants in the forest?

Why is poaching a major threat to African elephants?

What are some conservation efforts that are underway to protect African elephants?


Fact 11. Did you know that the smallest bird is the hummingbird?