LESSON 5: ELEPHANTS AND

THEIR ECOSYSTEMHOW DO ELEPHANTS BENEFIT THEIR ECOSYSTEM?

WATCH & LEARN:HOW DO ELEPHANTS

BENEFIT THEIR ECOSYSTEM?

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WHAT IS AN ECOSYSTEM?An ecosystem is defined as the

interactions of all living organisms (plants and animals) and non-living

components (air, soil, sun) in a defined area.

Ecosystems can be as small as a tree or as big as the African savanna.

KEYSTONE SPECIES IN AN ECOSYSTEM

What is a keystone species?

• In an ecosystem, each species connects to and depends on other species.

• Every species in an ecosystem contributes to the health of that ecosystem. Some species are more vital to the health of the ecosystem than others. These species are called keystone species.

• If the keystone species is removed, the ecosystem would change significantly.

ELEPHANTS ARE A KEYSTONE SPECIES!

If elephants were removed from their ecosystem, the ecosystem would change drastically:

• Many species depend on elephants.

• Elephants have many roles that benefit their ecosystem.

SO HOW DO ELEPHANTS HELP

THEIR ECOSYSTEM?

EATING A LOT!Elephants will actually eat away the undergrowth of the forests and savannas. This reduces wildfires.

NATURE’S BULLDOZERS

Elephants have heavy bodies and as they move from area to area, they create paths for other animals and people.

ELEPHANTS DIG

WATERING HOLES

Elephants smell water 3 feet under ground. They use their feet to dig and find

water near dried up riverbeds.

.Once the elephants are done

drinking, other animals come in and drink from the

new watering holes.

FOOTPRINTSElephants leave very

large footprints in the mud.

The holes will actually fill with water and allow for smaller species to create

their own tiny ecosystem.

DUNGElephant dung helps in lots of ways!

• It is a fertilizer for the environment and for plant seeds.

• It is food for the dung beetle.

• It is a seed distributer for many different types of plants.

ELEPHANTS AND TOURISMElephants also help their ecosystem by being the focus of ecotourists:

• Ecotourists are people who travel to countries just to see elephants in the wild.

• Ecotourists bring dollars to help protect elephants and their ecosystem and that also benefits the local people.

HOW DO ELEPHANTS BENEFIT THEIR ECOSYSTEM?

WHAT DO YOU THINK MIGHT HAPPEN TO THEIR ECOSYSTEM IF ELEPHANTS WERE

REMOVED?

DISCUSSION TIME: