Living BeingsCompare species
Brown Bear
Ursus arctos
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 | Brown Bear | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Coat shades range from pale to dark brown. Long claws and developed shoulder muscles support digging and other demanding movements. | 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 | Forests, open mountain country and tundra can support bears where food and secure resting areas 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 | Plant foods, invertebrates, fish, other vertebrates and carrion contribute in different proportions according to season and locality. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Most adults forage alone. Seasonal denning and intensive feeding before winter are important in many populations. | 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 | Cubs are born in the maternal den and remain dependent on their mother during an extended learning period. | 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 occurs in parts of Eurasia and North America. Populations differ considerably in size, connectivity and history. | Native to sub-Saharan Africa. This account follows the savanna-elephant species concept rather than treating all African elephants as one species. |
| Ecological role | Bears redistribute nutrients through feeding, digging and movement. They can be predators, scavengers and seed dispersers. | Feeding and movement alter vegetation, and dung transfers seeds and nutrients. Habitat fragmentation and killing for ivory threaten populations. |
| Distinctive adaptations | Fat storage and flexible feeding help meet strong seasonal changes in food supply. | Data unavailable |
| Conservation | Habitat fragmentation and conflict with people can threaten local populations even where the species remains widespread. | Data unavailable |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eutheria.