Description
Elephants are often called "pachyderms" (thick-skinned herbivorous mammals). But their skin is so sensitive that they can even suffer from sunburn. That's why they often cover themselves with several layers of mud. They also use it as a pleasant "cool pack" to protect themselves from the scorching heat. Their large ears don't give them better hearing than other animals, but they help them withstand the African heat. When they fan themselves by waving them, the blood in their ears cools and helps refresh them.