The largest of an elephants teeth used to grind food, the M6 molar, weighs several kilograms and is gradually worn down to the point the elephant dies from malnutrition at about 60 years of age.
The ridges on the M6 molar of a mature elephant killed by poachers. The fused plates of harder dentine and the softer cementine leave ridges that will gradually wear down with age.
The last molar in an elephant's lifespan is designated M6. This massive grinding plate is a composite of dentine and cementin plates that wear down and break off until the tooth is worn out
Group of one whole one half of fresh brown mushroom portobello isolated on black glass
Morel mushrooms isolated on white (Latin: Morchella). Macro photo.
As the Katuma River dries up as the dry season drags on Elephants often dig in the sandy riverbed for cleaner water than found in the stagnant shrinking pools in the watercourse
The thick hide of the elephant is a superb physiological adaptation evolved to store and shed heat at different time of the day
A large Elephant bull wanders through the tents at Katavi Wildlife Camp. Such encounters with wildlife are a special thrill for people who want a real wildlife experience
Elephant bulls maintain bonds by tactile communication with their versatile trunks and the use of low frequency infrasound
A herd matriarch uses her trunk to scent the breeze for any sign of danger to her breed group. Elephant families have tight bonds and protect their young in particular
The toenails of an Elephant are embedded in the thick skin of the foot. The number on forefoot and hind foot can vary, especially as nails can be lost in rough, rocky terrain
The deep wrinkles and pitting of the elephants hide is offset by remarkable eyelashes.
Detail of the molar of an elephant. This M6 tooth is a massive grinding surface of fused sections of cementin and enamel plates. As they wear they are pushed forward and drop out.
The last molar in an elephant's lifespan is designated M6. This massive grinding plate is a composite of dentine and cementin plates that wear down and break off until the tooth is worn out
The largest and last molar of an elephant. This M6 tooth is a massive grinding surface of fused section of cementin and enamel plates. As they wear, they are pushed forward and drop out
The partially developed bud of an elephants molar that has not yet erupted. The plates of dentine are clearly visible but the cementine has not yet filled the tooth out
An elephants M6 molar side-on shows the extent of roots that lodge the massive grinding plate into the jaw. Despite its massive size the tooth does gradually wear away limiting the animals lifespan