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Elephants are the largest land animals, known for their long trunks and large ears. They are a type of mammal that falls under the "Giant Mammals" category, which is a subgroup of mammals that includes other large species such as hippos. Elephants are characterized by their thick skin, columnar legs, and massive heads, which house their brains and help support their weight. They are herbivores, feeding on a diet of leaves, bark, and fruits. Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals, living in complex matriarchal groups and exhibiting behaviors such as grief, learning, allomothering, mimicry, play, altruism, use of tools, compassion, cooperation, and self-awareness. They have a strong sense of family and community, and their communication methods are the most extensive of any land animal. Elephants play a crucial role in their ecosystems by creating clearings, digging waterholes, and dispersing seeds through their dung. Unfortunately, they are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks.