Young calves are cared for by older females and the whole group is very protective of young babies. Males stay in the family group until they are about 10 years old, when they leave and form groups with other young males. These male groups are not closely bonded, and there is much competition for rank. Only high ranking males get to mate with females, so only the genes of the strongest males are passed on to the next generation. Older males may live a solitary lifestyle.
Tusks are actually long teeth.
An elephant uses them for many things, including lifting heavy objects and digging for water or minerals. The tusks first appear when the elephant is 2 years old, and they grow about 9-10cms each year. Female Asian elephants and some male Asian elephants do not have tusks. The trunk is in fact an extension of the upper lip, and is used for touch, smell, and for transferring water to the mouth during drinking. The trunk is very agile, and an elephant can use it to pick up both large and small objects.