但不长象牙其实会为大象带来极大的不便。比如，大象会用象牙来剥树皮、移动石块或折断树枝；干旱季节，大象还可以用长牙挖掘，寻找深埋在地下的水源。

Being born without tusks can cause huge issues to the elephants as they use their tusks to peel bark, move rocks, break branches, and dig water holes in the dry season.

长而粗壮的象牙还是大象御敌的利器，以及在求偶时的优势。

Long and thick tusks are also essential for their self-defense and courtship.

大象对维持生态系统平衡具有重要作用。它们可以调整植被的分布，创造开阔地和小径，为别的野生动物挖掘水源；

Elephants play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They modify vegetation,creating open lands and paths, and excavate water for themselves and other animals.