In the absence of water what do elephants spare themselves with?

Options

A. Dust
B. Urine
C. Plants
D. Dew

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Elephants' Habitat**: Elephants are the largest terrestrial mammals, meaning they primarily live on land and do not rely on water for their basic survival needs.

2. **Mammalian Characteristics**: As mammals, elephants possess mammary glands to nourish their young, are viviparous (give birth to live young), and have skin covered with hair, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.

3. **Respiration and Circulation**: Elephants, like all mammals, breathe through lungs and have a four-chambered heart, which allows them to efficiently separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

4. **Water Loss**: Due to their large body size, elephants have a high surface area, which leads to significant water loss through perspiration. They often spray water on themselves to cool down.

5. **Dry Conditions**: In situations where water is scarce, such as during dry seasons or summer, elephants cannot spray water on themselves.

6. **Alternative Cooling Methods**: In the absence of water, elephants use alternative methods to cool down. They can spray themselves with dust or cut grass, which helps to regulate their body temperature.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, in the absence of water, elephants spare themselves with dust or grass to keep cool.

### Final Answer:
In the absence of water, elephants spare themselves with dust or grass.

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