Their massive feet contain sensitive nerve endings that can detect low-frequency seismic vibrations traveling through the ground. When another elephant rumbles or distant thunder rolls, those vibrations move through the soil and into their feet. The signals travel up the leg bones to the inner ear, where the brain interprets them. This allows elephants to detect other herds, predators, or storms from several kilometers away. They often freeze, lean forward, or place more weight on one foot to improve detection. It’s a sensory ability humans don’t naturally possess at all.
This matters because it helps elephants coordinate over huge distances without being close together. It also gives them early warning of danger, increasing survival in the wild.
The discovery has inspired new research into animal communication networks and even earthquake detection technology. Elephants may be nature’s original seismic sensors.
Scientists found elephants respond to distant calls even when sound is blocked, relying purely on ground vibrations. Some elephants have been observed placing their trunks on the ground to increase sensitivity.
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