New fossil finds have lent credence to the theory that elephant trunks evolved to work as snorkels. The fossils, from a purported elephant ancestor the size of a large pig, were found in an area of Egypt that was made up of swamps and rivers in prehistoric times. Chemical analysis of the fossil teeth showed that the animal lived in fresh water and ate freshwater plants.

A competing theory holds that elephant trunks evolved to serve as a fifth appendage that could reach beyond the animal’s tusks.

(Source: New Scientist)

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