Question

Elephants exhibit herding behavior. When they travel, the oldest and largest members often travel on the outer edges of the group. Why is this important to the survival of the species

Answer 1

They do it to protect the newer and younger generation by placing the more experienced animals on the perimeter. 

Answer 2

Answer: Elephants have few offsprings, so they need to protect them from predators.

Explanation:

Herd behaviour is a behaviour which is collectively shown by organisms in the group. The organisms move, feed and fight the predator in groups. This is a kind of social behavior shown even by the animals.

Elephants also show this kind of social behavior. They move in herd (flock). The tall and older members move at the edges when the elephants moce in herd. This is to protect the young once in the middle from the attack of predators as the young once are incapable of protecting themselves from predators. Also the elephant mother gives birth to only one offspring at a time. Thus the population may suffer if the offspring is not protected.