Living BeingsCompare species
Coast Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
How to compare two organisms
Choose two species and trace their closest shared group. Then compare a trait with the same definition on each side. Check the units, life stage and context before interpreting a measurement or range.
Missing data means that the collection lacks a sourced value. Where a characteristic does not apply to a lineage, the comparison labels it separately. Open the two profiles for context and follow their sources before drawing a conclusion.
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Coast Redwood | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | A tall trunk bears fibrous reddish bark and a crown of needle-like foliage. Small woody cones distinguish it as a seed-bearing conifer rather than a flowering tree. | 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 | Sheltered valleys, stream corridors and moist coastal slopes support redwood forest. Site moisture strongly influences growth. | 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 | Foliage captures light for photosynthesis. Roots draw water and dissolved nutrients from the soil. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Data unavailable | 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 | Seeds released from cones can establish seedlings. New shoots can also arise from the root crown or dormant buds, so regeneration is not limited to seeds. | 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 | Its natural range follows coastal northern and central California into southwestern Oregon. Planted redwoods occur well outside that range. | Native to sub-Saharan Africa. This account follows the savanna-elephant species concept rather than treating all African elephants as one species. |
| Ecological role | Large living trees and fallen wood create persistent forest structure and varied habitats. | Feeding and movement alter vegetation, and dung transfers seeds and nutrients. Habitat fragmentation and killing for ivory threaten populations. |
| Distinctive adaptations | Thick bark and the ability to sprout can aid survival or recovery after disturbance. These traits do not make redwoods immune to severe fire. | Data unavailable |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eukaryota.