Elephants test terrain with their feet and trunks before committing weight. This helps detect unstable ground like mud, sinkholes, or weak riverbanks. Their sensitivity prevents injuries that could be fatal. Terrain assessment is constant and automatic. It reflects refined environmental awareness.
It matters because injury prevention is critical for large animals. One misstep can mean death.
It also shows intelligence embedded in movement decisions. Walking is a cognitive act.
Elephants avoid areas where others have previously slipped. Memory combines with sensory feedback to guide movement.
National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com)