Elephant Talk
The Surprising Science of Elephant Communication
On a hot day in the African savannah, a group of elephants searches for food. While foraging they often lose sight of one another. Yet at the end of the day, in one coordinated movement, the elephants suddenly regroup. This coordinated movement—and others like it—has puzzled scientists and caused them to question how elephants communicate with each other.
Since the 1990s, scientists have gathered significant data on elephant “talk.” Biologists have determined that elephants use a complex system of communication of at least ten distinct sounds, combined in many variations. Researchers are now asking: what do these sounds mean?
As scientists study the elephant sounds that humans can hear, they are also identifying ways elephants communicate through nonverbal behaviors and making sounds too low for human ears. Scientists have realized that elephants even receive messages by using their sensitive feet to feel vibrations in the ground. All of these discoveries are helping elephant researchers better understand elephant behavior.
But the elephant’s time as a wild animal is running out. Threatened by habitat loss and illegally hunted for their ivory tusks, elephants are on the brink of extinction. Will understanding elephant talk be the key to saving the species?
| Format | Your Price | Add |
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978-1-5124-5286-0
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$37.99 | |
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978-1-4677-5988-5
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$39.99 | |
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978-1-5124-4229-8
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$19.99 |
Awards
- VOYA Nonfiction Honor List
- Science Books & Films Best Books
- SSLI Book Award Honor Book
- Book Links Lasting Connection
Reviews
Book Links
“How do elephants communicate over long distances? With infrasound—frequencies lower than the human ear can hear. Readers will learn more fascinating facts about these social animals in this colorful, information-packed volume, which also explores how elephants connect with each other through touch, smell, and gesture. Well-chosen color photos will further draw both researchers and browsers into this engaging, standout informational title, which closes with extensive back matter to support reports.” —Book Links
Book Links
“How do elephants communicate over long distances? With infrasound—frequencies lower than the human ear can hear. Readers will learn more fascinating facts about these social animals in this colorful, information-packed volume, which also explores how elephants connect with each other through touch, smell, and gesture. Well-chosen color photos will further draw both researchers and browsers into this engaging, standout informational title, which closes with extensive back matter to support reports.” —Book Links
Library Media Connection
“This excellent book provides all the material needed for a report, or for an enjoyable browse.” —Library Media Connection
The Horn Book Guide
“Downer provides an engrossing account of the science of elephant communication, covering elephant social networks, the workings of their vocal equipment, and what we know about the sounds, smells, and various behaviors they employ.” —The Horn Book Guide
Science Books & Films
“Although identified as a children’s book, Elephant Talk is an excellent primer for all ages (beginning at the third-grade level).” —Science Books & Films
Booklist
“Well-chosen color photos appear on nearly every page, transporting readers from American zoos to African wildlife preserves to an Indian festival celebrating the birthday of the Hindu god Ganesh…. This wide-ranging book is always engaging and informative.” —Booklist
School Library Journal
“Throughout this highly readable, informative title are profiles of individuals—an elephant keeper, a scout, researchers, and others—who work with these animals. The ‘Elephant Dictionary’ will help future scientists understand an elephant’s chirp, grunt, rev, rumble, and snort!” —School Library Journal
