Elephas maximus

1 8.2

A large animal with a long trunk, small ears, and often tusks that lives in Asia

noun
/ˈɛlɪfəs ˈmæksɪməs/

Specialized

: Elephas maximus

Unlike the African elephant, the Elephas maximus has noticeably smaller ears.

Examples

The Elephas maximus is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Researchers are studying the migration patterns of Elephas maximus in northern India.
The Elephas maximus is known for its intelligence.
In Asia, the Elephas maximus is revered in culture.
Researchers are studying the migration patterns of Elephas maximus in northern India.
The Elephas maximus is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Unlike the African elephant, the Elephas maximus has noticeably smaller ears.

Surface Forms

Elephas maximus singular

Elephases maximus plural

Morphology

Elephas + maximus

This is a regular Linnaean binomial composed of the genus name Elephas (elephant) and the Latin superlative maximus (‘greatest’/‘largest’). The species name’s meaning (the large/major Elephas — i.e. the Asian elephant) is directly derivable from its parts, and binomial naming conventions are systematic across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents would understand it.

Etymology

Elephas maximus comes from old words: Greek elephas, which meant 'elephant' or 'ivory', and Latin maximus, which meant 'biggest'. So the name simply means a 'big elephant', which is why it is used for the Asian elephant species.