Zoologists have uncovered a previously unknown sense ability in elephants. It explains why the elephant trunk is so dexterous. The scientists found that the whiskers at the end of the trunk are sensitive enough to feel very small and delicate objects. The scientists are from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. They say the incredible sensitivity of the whiskers makes up for the elephant's poor eyesight. The whiskers are essential for navigating, finding food, and communicating. The researchers say the whiskers are "smart" and give elephants an added sense of intelligence.
Scientists believe their research will help advance robotics and neuroscience. A study co-author said: "Each whisker on elephants' trunks acts as a tactile sensory organ." This means elephants can pick up a delicate potato chip without breaking it. The research could help increase dexterity in robots. Another researcher is excited about how her research could advance neuroscience. She said her findings could increase our understanding of "tactile perception". She says the study will help us to understand how the brain's neurons process information to think, feel, and act.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Elephants - Level 4 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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