Introduction to Aardvark-Elephant Crossbreed
A hypothesized crossbreed between an aardvark and an elephant has generated a lot of curiosity among biologists, animal rights activists and the public. Scripted genetics and reality TV shows have long romanticized the idea of the elusive aardvark-elephant crossbreed. So what would a DNA crossbreed between an aardvark and an elephant really look like?
Aardvark Vs. Elephant
Aardvarks are small- to medium-sized mammals occurring throughout much of central and southern Africa. They are members of the Orycteropodidae family of mammals and they vary in size from 0.9m – 1.3m and weights of 40-65kg. Aardvarks have powerful claws and an elongated snout with a tubular sticky tongue that they use to dig for termites and other insects at night.
Elephants, on the other hand, are the largest land animals on Earth. They occur in habitats ranging from Savannahs and forests to wetlands and hills. African elephants can reach up to 4m in height and weigh anywhere from 5000-7000 kg. Elephants have massive ears and trunks and four large columnar legs used for locomotion.
The Physical Features of Aardvark-Elephant Crossbreed
The physical characteristics of a hypothesized aardvark-elephant crossbreed is yet to be determined. It is safe to say though that the physical makeup of this hybrid animal would likely borrow elements from both parent species. Physically, the aardvark-elephant hybrid would probably look like a much larger version of an aardvark but with the thick, shaggy gray hair of an African elephant. It would likely have the long flattened snout and flexible tubular tongue of an aardvark and large, pointy ears of an African elephant as well as four large, columnar legs. To match the size of its parents, the hybrid would perhaps measure between 3-4 m in length and weigh between 100-200 kg.
Behavioral Characteristics of Aardvark-Elephant Crossbreed
The behavioral characteristics of a hypothetic aardvark-elephant crossbreed is yet to be determined. Again assuming a positive outcome, the hybrid would probably share some of the behavior tendencies of the aardvark and the elephant. Aardvarks are solitary, nocturnal animals, meaning they like to live on their own, hunt for food at night and sleep during the day. Elephants on the other hand are social animals, living in large herds led by the oldest and biggest cow in the herd. They look after their young and are fiercely loyal. Aardvark-elephant hybrids could be expected to exhibit both aspects of the parental species; leading solitary lives but being social where warranted.
Habitat of Aardvark-Elephant Crossbreed
The habitat of a hypothetical aardvark-elephant crossbreed is yet to be determined. Aardvarks are typically solitary animals preferring herbivorous barren habitats to dig for insects. Elephants roam wide open savannahs and forests or may be found near wetlands and hills. Assuming a positive result, the hybrid animal would likely prefer a combination of habitats borrowing characteristics from both.
Eating Habits of Aardvark-Elephant Crossbreed
The eating habits of a hypothetical aardvark-elephant crossbreed is yet to be determined. Aardvarks are omnivorous and feed primarily on ants and termites which they dig for in the soil. Their strong, muscular claws allow them to dig deep into the substrate of the soil and their flexible snouts and sticky tongues helps them to scoop out their food items. Elephants, on the other hand, are largely herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, leaves, and grasses. A crossbreed between the two would likely be an omnivore, so it could be expected to feed on a combination of plants, insects and small animals.
Discussion on Aardvark-Elephant Crossbreed
The hypothetical aardvark-elephant crossbreed has long been a topic of interest in the scientific and animal rights communities. While many are drawn to the idea of a crossbreed of this magnitude and are enthralled by the romanticized version of its physical and behavior qualities, others stand firmly on the side of preserving the two, separate species.
Nothing is certain until successful attempts at crossbreeding the two animals have been made and their traits recorded and studied. The hypothetical aardvark-elephant crossbreed has the potential to change the way we view and understand wildlife and its adaptability in our ever-evolving world. All that remains is for someone with the courage, dedication, and resources to make that dream a reality.