
Elephant 3d printable modelElephants, the largest living land animals, are currently represented by three living species: the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), the African forest elephant (L. cyclotis), and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). They are the sole surviving members of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea; extinct relatives include mammoths and mastodons. Elephants are characterized by distinctive features such as a long proboscis known as a trunk, tusks, large ear flaps, pillar-like legs, and tough yet sensitive grey skin. The trunk is prehensile, enabling the elephant to bring food and water to its mouth and grasp objects. Tusks, derived from the incisor teeth, serve both as weapons and tools for moving objects and digging. The large ear flaps aid in regulating body temperature and communication. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs, while Asian elephants have smaller ears and convex or level backs.