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African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants

African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants

African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants

Ear shape roughly maps to continents: African ears are broader, often likened to Africa’s outline; Asian ears are smaller and more rounded.

Large thin ears also radiate heat. Blood vessels near the surface dump warmth as the animal flaps — a cooling system for hot savannas.

Identification and thermoregulation share one feature. What looks like a flag is also a radiator.

Shahzad Mahota Shahzad Mahota @shahzad-mahota

African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants