logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
4m 26s

Why are elephants so big?

American Public Media
About this episode

Happy Elephant Week! Every episode this week answers a different question about our magnificent and ginormous elephant friends. You may have seen elephants at zoos and marveled at their size. Maybe you’ve seen nature programs about these ponderous pachyderms. It’s no secret: Elephants are big. But why do they grow so large? We asked psychology professor and elephant expert Joshua Plotnick to help us find the answer.


Got a HUGE question? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll find the answer. No biggie!

Up next
Jun 11
A big update about Moment of Um and the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the mean ... Show More
2m 56s
Jun 6
How do braces work?
They come in cool colors, catch popcorn kernels and sometimes even have spacers - it’s braces! Ever wondered how braces magically straighten teeth? We asked Dr. ArNelle Wright - a real life dentist! - to help us break down the science of these tiny metal wonders.Bracing for a tou ... Show More
6m 19s
Jun 4
How do stoplights know when to change?
Waiting for a stoplight to turn green can be really annoying, especially when you’re running late. It would be awesome if you had a magic wand you could wave to get the light to change. But alas, such things don’t exist. But how do stoplights know when to switch colors? We asked ... Show More
5m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2021
About Elephants
In today's episode of "Music To Our Ears," we are at an elephant sanctuary learning about different types of elephants. Then we will join Cowy singing a cute song about her elephant friend. What fun facts do you know about elephants? Find out more! Discover more activities, ... Show More
4m 25s
Mar 2023
All About the Elephant Shrew
If you look at a picture of an elephant shrew, you might assume that it's perfectly named. It certainly looks similar to shrews found in many parts of the world and has an elongated nose, reminiscent of an elephant's trunk. While the elephant shrew was initially grouped in with s ... Show More
43m 52s
May 2023
Helping elephants and humans get along
As humanity expands further and further into the wild areas of the world, they are increasingly coming into conflict with the creatures that live there. One of those animals is the elephant. When tensions flare with these huge creatures, lives can be lost on both sides. We invest ... Show More
25 m
Apr 2023
The Woman Who Knows What Elephants Are Saying
For almost 50 years, National Geographic Explorer Joyce Poole has been carefully watching the elephants of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Over that time she’s gotten to know them by name and has started decoding their sounds, smells, and body language to figure out just what the ... Show More
28m 12s
Jan 2023
Selects: Elephants: The Best Animals?
Elephants are pretty much the best. Why? Josh and Chuck will let you know in great detail in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
1h 1m
Feb 2024
Assignment: Botswana - living with elephants
The battle to keep the peace between people and elephants in northern Botswana. The earth’s largest land mammal, the elephant, is an endangered species. Poaching, habitat loss and disease have decimated elephant populations. But not in Botswana, which has the world’s biggest popu ... Show More
27m 54s
Jul 2023
Botswana: Living with elephants
The battle to keep the peace between people and elephants in northern Botswana. The earth’s largest land mammal, the elephant, is an endangered species. Poaching, habitat loss and disease have decimated elephant populations. But not in Botswana, which has the world’s biggest popu ... Show More
27m 25s
Apr 2023
Monkeys, Elephants, and Humans are Basically the Same
On today’s episode: Monkeys and magic! We thought we domesticated elephants, but it turns out they domesticated themselves. All that and more today on All Around Science... LINKS: [ARTICLE] Sleight-of-hand magic trick only fools monkeys with opposable thumbs | University of Cambr ... Show More
1h 13m
Jul 2021
What's the Cleverest Thing A Hippo Can Do?
What is the cleverest thing hippos can do? This week we’re answering seven quirky questions about animals! Why do elephants like peanuts? Why do cows put their tongues up their noses? Has anyone ever ridden a tiger? How do woodpeckers cling to trees? Why is some bird poop black a ... Show More
16m 54s