Forming a succession at the back of the jaw, the teeth move forward and push out teeth that are worn out or broken. Otherwise, the animal can no longer chew effectively and may starve. An elephant walks on its toes. The sole of each foot is made of thick elastic pads which flatten to form a flexible pad with each step. Nails are located on the front of the foot.
Elephants are the largest land animals in the world.
An elephant's waistline is about 16 feet. After a 22-month pregnancy, a female gives birth to a single calf that weights more than 200 pounds. In the close-knit herd baby elephants grow up surrounded by family members who cooperate and care for them. With their protectors close by, young elephants spend their days exploring and playing. Elephant herds are made up of closely related female and their babies, led by the oldest female, the matriarch.