Animals - Animal types and traits - Elephants - Animal anatomy
Why do elephants have such big ears?
Correct!
Elephants' large ears work like cooling surfaces. They contain many blood vessels, and warm blood can release heat there into the surrounding air.
African elephants in particular have very large ears. When they flap them, air moves across the thin skin and helps cool the body. The ears also play a role in communication: an elephant spreading its ears can appear larger and more impressive.
