The prehensile trunk of the tapir has changed little in millions of years of evolution.
Tapirs look something like pigs with trunks, but they are actually
related to horses and rhinoceroses. This eclectic lineage is an ancient
one—and so is the tapir itself. Scientists believe that these animals
have changed little over tens of millions of years.
Tapirs have a
short prehensile (gripping) trunk, which is really an extended nose and
upper lip. They use this trunk to grab branches and clean them of leaves
or to help pluck tasty fruit. Tapirs feed each morning and evening.
During these hours they follow tunnel-like paths, worn through the heavy
brush by many a tapir footstep, to reach water holes and lush feeding
grounds. As they roam and defecate they deposit the seeds they have
consumed and promote future plant growth.
Though they appear
densely built, tapirs are at home in the water and often submerge to
cool off. They are excellent swimmers and can even dive to feed on
aquatic plants. They also wallow in mud, perhaps to remove pesky ticks
from their thick hides.
