Is an elephant a transitional sea mammal?Its nasal passage has obviously migrated toward the top of its head.?

Answer 1

Although the fossil evidence is uncertain, some scientists believe there is genetic evidence that the elephant family shares distant ancestry with the Sirenians (sea cows) and the hyraxes. In the distant past, members of the hyrax family grew to large sizes, and it seems likely that the common ancestor of all three modern families was some kind of amphibious hyracoid. One theory suggests that these animals spent most of their time under water, using their trunks like snorkels for breathing. Modern elephants have retained this ability and are known to swim in that manner for up to 6 hours and 50 km.

In the past, there was a much wider variety of elephant genera, including the mammoths, stegodons and deinotheria.

Couuld be.

Answer 2

The nasal passages of an elephant extend from below and between the eyes and through the trunk. They aren't toward the top of the elephant's head. And the elephant cannot live under water like a whale does because it cannot hold it's breath for very long and it would have to stay in comparably shallow water to use its trunk as a snorkel. It doesn't have an aquatic food source either. All of its food is on land.

Answer 3

Possibly, many Elephants like to swim and they use their trunk like a snorkel. One of the most famous fakes of the Loch Ness Monster was actually a picture of an elephant from a local circus who would go for the occasional swim in the Loch.

Answer 4

I think you're right! I can see it now, Elephants cruising through the seas like a massive submarine, their trunks extending above the water like a periscope. Maybe their eyes will develop the capacity to move up and down their trunk too. What do you think? :o) :o)

Answer 5

http://www.edwardtbabinski.us/manatee/sirenian_evolution.html
Sirenian Evolution: Elephant to Sea Cow (Manatees)
Astonishing photographic evidence of similarities between modern sea cows and elephants. Including photographs with celebrity LeVar Burton from Reading Rainbow. ... "Does evidence of transitional forms exist ? (Hominid and other)" and I contacted him, inquiring on ... own eyes, these "elephant toenails" on a sea mammal! Including numerous other ...www.edwardtbabinski.us/manatee/sirenian_evolution.html - 46k -

Answer 6

It's called a septum. lol- Have you ever heard anyone say they have a deviated septum, that is a hilarious phrase! Makes me laugh! (You're looking confused at the moment, I just know it!) Mine is out of place, I think. I broke my nose once and it doesn't look the same as it used to.