Living BeingsCompare species
Gray Wolf
Canis lupus
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Gray Wolf | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Long legs, a deep chest and a bushy tail characterize the species. Coat color varies greatly and is not a reliable guide to taxonomic identity by itself. | Broad ears, a long trunk and column-like legs give the animal its familiar outline. The trunk tip has two finger-like projections. Both sexes can develop tusks. |
| Habitat and range | Wolves occupy habitats ranging from forest and grassland to tundra, where sufficient prey and space remain. | Savannas and open woodland provide a shifting mixture of browse, grass, shade and drinking water. Seasonal water availability influences the places that herds use. |
| Diet and nutrition | Large hoofed mammals are important prey in many populations. Smaller animals and carrion can also contribute. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Packs are commonly family groups. Howling and scent marking communicate identity and location; hunting can involve cooperation. | Female relatives and their young form long-lasting social groups. Older females hold knowledge of familiar routes and resources; adult males have a different pattern of association. |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Pups are born in a den and receive care from parents and other pack members. Some later disperse to establish new groups. | Calves are born alive and depend on milk and extended social care. Learning from other elephants is an important part of growing up. |
| Geographic distribution | The species has a broad Northern Hemisphere range, reduced and fragmented in many areas by past persecution. | Native to sub-Saharan Africa. This account follows the savanna-elephant species concept rather than treating all African elephants as one species. |
| Ecological role | Wolves are predators and scavengers, and their effects depend on local prey and competitors. | Feeding and movement alter vegetation, and dung transfers seeds and nutrients. Habitat fragmentation and killing for ivory threaten populations. |
| Distinctive adaptations | Endurance, keen senses and social communication support long-distance movement and cooperative hunting. | Data unavailable |
| Conservation | Human conflict, habitat connectivity and legal protection vary geographically; local recovery and global status are different questions. | Data unavailable |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eutheria.