Richard Fong, age 11, of Toronto, Ont., Canada, for his question:

IS THE ELEPHANT'S TRUNK A NOSE?

Yes, the elephant's trunk is his long nose, and probably no other animal can boast a nose that can do so many things with such incredible ease. He smells with it; he feeds himself and drinks with it.

He can pull up a tree with it or pick up a tiny peanut. What's more, he uses his trunk to spray himself with cooling water in the heat, or powdery dust to help rid his skin of pesky parasites.

As you can see, the elephant's trunk is extremely versatile. The female uses it to guide her young calf in its early faltering steps. She can detect the rough or smooth shape of an object with its sensitive tip, as well as tell whether something is hot or cold. Elephants are constantly sniffing, and they fully utilize their fine sense of smell. During times of drought, the trunk can be used to dig a small well to locate water. A boneless mass of muscle, this amazing organ bends easily and is without doubt the most extraordinary part of this extraordinary animal.