Solving Problems Elephants are among the most intelligent animals in the world. T ey have larger brains than any other land animal. So it’s no surprise that elephants make and use tools. Elephants use tools to solve problems. For example, Asian elephants oſt en have
problems with biting flies. So, many use branches and plant fronds to swat flies from their bodies. A long stick can also be used to scratch a hard-to-reach itch. If an elephant gets thirsty, it digs a hole to
find water. But if an elephant wants to be able to drink from that same hole again later, it uses tools. T e elephant rips bark from a tree. It chews the bark into the shape of a ball. T en it plugs the water hole with the bark ball. Finally, it covers everything with sand so the water doesn’t evaporate. Later, when it’s thirsty, it returns to this spot for a drink.
Group Behavior Wild orangutans oſt en carry tools with them. T ey make tool kits. T e kits include tools to help them pick insects out of trees and tools that help them collect seeds from hard-skinned fruits. T e orangutans use whichever tool they need while they are out gathering food. One tool that orangutans invented
surprised scientists. A group of orangutans in Borneo made whistles out of bunches of leaves. Orangutans communicate with each other by making a kiss squeak sound. By blowing into the leaves, their sound is made louder. T is lets their call be heard from greater distances. It also keeps predators away. T e predators are fooled into thinking they are dealing with a much larger animal. Observing orangutans using this tool
was big news to scientists. It marked the first time an animal has been known to use a tool to help it communicate. Scientists also noticed something else. Not all orangutan groups were the same. Not all orangutans make whistles or use the same tools.
8 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
Animals and Tools Some scientists now think that some animal tool use is based on culture. Culture is defined as the practices and behaviors shared and accepted by a particular group. T e orangutans in Borneo that make whistles from leaves are a good example. Other orangutan groups don’t use this tool. Scientists are still learning a lot about
animals and tools. It’s clear that tool use no longer separates humans from other animals, as was once believed. Many animals make and use tools to help them survive in their environments.
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