Book 14, Question 149
Why Do Some Animals Have Giant Ears?
Some animals have giant ears because big ears catch faint sounds from far away! A bigger ear collects more sound waves, like a larger bucket collects more rain. Many animals can turn their ears toward a sound.
More fun facts
- Many animals, from bugs to elephants, have big ears to deal with hot places or to find food.
- Big ears can help animals find prey, avoid predators and find others of their kind.
- The African elephant has the biggest ears of any living animal.
- One animal has ears two-thirds as long as its body, the largest ears for its size in the animal kingdom.
- Animals with very large ears, like jackrabbits and foxes, can usually hear very well or from far away.
Sources: National Geographic, Exploratorium
Questions kids ask
Which animal has the biggest ears?
The African elephant has the biggest ears of any living animal.