Living BeingsCompare species
Polar Bear
Ursus maritimus
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 | Polar Bear | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | A long neck, relatively small head and pale-looking fur distinguish it from other bears. Broad feet support movement across snow and ice and assist swimming. | 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 | Sea ice and the edges of Arctic marine habitats are central to hunting. Bears also use land, including coastal areas and sites for maternity dens. | 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 | Seals are the principal prey, and energy-rich fat is particularly valuable. Bears also scavenge, but occasional alternative foods should not be mistaken for ecological replacements for seal hunting. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Adults are commonly solitary outside breeding associations and mothers with cubs. Hunting may involve waiting beside places where seals can surface. | 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 | Pregnant females use sheltered maternity dens, often in snow. Young are born dependent and accompany their mothers as they learn to travel and feed. | 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 Mammal Diversity Database v2.5 records this species in Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, United States, Iceland?. | Native to sub-Saharan Africa. This account follows the savanna-elephant species concept rather than treating all African elephants as one species. |
| Ecological role | Data unavailable | Feeding and movement alter vegetation, and dung transfers seeds and nutrients. Habitat fragmentation and killing for ivory threaten populations. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eutheria.