Scientists have found a previously unknown ability in elephants. It explains why the elephant trunk is so dexterous. The whiskers on the trunk are sensitive enough to feel small and delicate objects. The scientists say the incredible sensitivity of the whiskers makes up for the elephant's poor eyesight. The whiskers help the elephant navigate, find food, and communicate. The whiskers are "smart" and give elephants an added sense of intelligence.
The research could help advance robotics and neuroscience. A researcher said: "Each whisker…acts as a tactile sensory organ." Elephants can pick up a potato chip without breaking it. The research could help increase dexterity in robots. Another researcher said her research could advance neuroscience. She said we could understand more about "tactile perception". It could also help us to understand how the brain helps us to think, feel, and act.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Elephants - Level 5 or Elephants - Level 6
Sources- https://phys.org/news/2026-02-elephant-trunk-whiskers-material-intelligence.html
- https://www.popsci.com/environment/elephant-whiskers-smart/
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-elephants-trunk-is-covered-in-whiskers-and-theyre-unlike-those-on-any-other-animal-a-new-study-suggests-180988199/
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