Millions of years ago, there were over a dozen species of proboscideans, including mammoths, mastodons, and elephants, that inhabited various landscapes such as the Arctic tundra and African savannas. However, around 11,700 years ago, as the last ice age declined and human hunting increased, the number of these species dwindled to just three: the Asian elephant, the African forest elephant, and the African savanna elephant. Unfortunately, all three of these species are now endangered.
Modern elephants, as ecosystem engineers, have a significant impact on their environments. Due to their large size, they consume a substantial amount of food, produce a significant amount of waste, and travel long distances to graze, dispersing seeds over vast areas. These animals also trample fields, creating space for a variety of plants, and dig massive water holes that benefit other animals as well. In North American grasslands, the absence of mammoths and other large herbivores has led to a homogenization of the land, with slow-growing plants and invasive weeds dominating the landscape. Ross MacPhee, a mammalogist at the museum, explains this phenomenon.
The loss of these species also has cultural implications. The exhibit, although small, showcases the influence of elephants on our lives. They have been depicted in early cave drawings and featured in religious stories. However, this connection has not always been beneficial for elephants, as they have been used as war steeds and circus performers by humans.
The purpose of the exhibit is to reestablish our connection with elephants by highlighting their intelligence and social nature. Elephants have the ability to recognize themselves in mirrors, which suggests self-awareness, and they can use tools. Videos in the exhibit demonstrate elephants playing with and comforting each other. Visitors can also listen to calls that convey emotions such as fear, affection, and annoyance by pressing buttons on an interactive board.
2024-01-17 10:47:57
Link from www.sciencenews.org
