Its like comparing oranges and apples so I am proving the facts about the grasshopper and elephant (Asian). Hope it helps -
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is an insect that belongs to the order Orthoptera. There are over 11 000 species of grasshoppers that can be found worldwide. They can survive in different climates and in numerous habitats. Grasshoppers can be found in the temperate forests, tropical rainforests, meadows, areas near the ponds and streams, rocky areas and even deserts. Grasshoppers are symbols of luck in Japan. Certain species of grasshoppers are endangered due to habitat loss (as a result of increased agriculture and urban development).
Interesting Grasshopper Facts:
- Size of grasshopper depends on the species. Smallest grasshoppers are only 0.5 inches long. Larger species can grow to 5 inches in length. Females are longer than males.
- Color of the body provides camouflage and it depends on the habitat. Grasshopper can be green, brown, grayish and ochre in color.
- Grasshoppers have a pair of antennas on the head. They serve as sensory organ which detects various stimuli from the environment.
- Grasshopper has an eardrum on the abdomen. Grasshopper can detect rhythm and intensity, but it cannot hear pitch of a sound.
- Grasshopper has long hind legs that are designed for jumping. String-like structure (located in knee) acts like a catapult which sends grasshopper 10 inches high in the air. Grasshopper can travel a distance that is 200 times longer than the body in a single jump.
- Front legs of grasshopper are much shorter than hind legs. They are used for walking and feeding.
- Grasshoppers have wings that are used for flying. Grasshoppers occasionally gather in larger groups (grasshoppers are then called locusts), that migrate together toward the better sources of food. During the migration, grasshopper can remain in the air (without landing) three days.
- Grasshoppers are active during the day (diurnal animals). They need to increase their body temperature with the help of sun, before they become ready to start a day. Grasshoppers are taking rest during the night.
- Diet of grasshoppers is based on various plants. They prefer different types of grass and flowering plants. Grasshoppers have big appetite. Daily intake of food overcomes grasshopper's body weight two times.
- Swarm of grasshoppers can induce significant damage to the crops. Grasshoppers destroy crops worth of billions of dollars each year.
- Main predators of grasshoppers are monkeys, birds, lizards, snakes, rodents and large insects. Grasshoppers are consumed as delicacy in various parts of the world.
- Grasshoppers are very old organisms. They exist on the planet at least 200 million years.
- Grasshoppers produce songs by rubbing their legs with wings. Songs are used to attract females.
Asian elephant
Asian elephant is the largest terrestrial animal in Asia. There are 3 subspecies of Asian elephant that inhabit moist tropical rainforests, dry, semi-deciduous forests, mountainous forests, scrublands and grasslands with plenty of water sources. Asian elephant can be also found near the agricultural fields which provide plenty of food, but also create conflict between animals and humans. In some parts of Asia, elephants are used for lifting and carrying heavy loads and humans. Asian elephant is classified as endangered and restricted to only 15% of its original range. Despite ivory ban, Asian elephants are still on a target of hunters because of their tusks.
Interesting Asian elephant Facts:
- Asian elephant can reach 21 feet in length and up to 11.000 pounds of weight.
- Asian elephant has dark grey to brown body. Pink skin can be seen on the parts of forehead, ears, trunk and chest.
- Only male Asian elephants have tusks. Females have reduced tusks known as tushes.
- Asian elephant has smaller body and smaller, more rounded ears than its African cousin.
- Elephants are extremely intelligent animals. They have huge brain, well-developed self-awareness, and ability to learn to use tools. Elephant is one of the rare animals that can recognize its own reflection in the mirror.
- Asian elephant has very long trunk that is used for breathing, smelling, trumpeting, digging of food from the ground, stripping bark from the trees and for manipulation of various objects. Elephant can crush large tree and collect small items from the surface of the ground with its trunk with equal ease. Fine coordination and strength of trunk lays in the fact that it is made of around 60.000 muscles.
- Asian elephant eliminates excess heat from the body via its large ears. During very hot periods of day, it usually hides in the shade of trees or in the water. Asian elephant covers its back with water and dirt to prevent overheating.
- Asian elephant is a herbivore. Its diet is based on grass, herbs, fruit, bark and leaves. Adult elephant consumes 300 pounds of food per day.
- Asian elephant lives in large family groups (herds) made of closely related females and their offspring. Oldest, largest and most experienced female - matriarch - is the leader of the herd.
- Males leave their native herds when they reach puberty. Young males travel alone or gathered in bachelor herds. Adult males prefer solitary life.
- Asian elephants communicate via low-frequency calls that can be detected few miles away.
- Females mate only with large, dominant, testosterone-filled males.
- Pregnancy lasts 20 to 22 months and ends with one or rarely two calves.
- Females usually start to reproduce at the age of 14 years. They produce offspring once every 4 years.
- Asian elephant can survive 60 to 70 years in the wild, but nearly 50% of Asian elephants die before the age of 15 years.
