How can an elephant’s trunk pick up very small objects?

An elephant’s ability to pick up small objects is made possible by the unique anatomy of its trunk, or proboscis, which contains nearly 150,000 muscle fascicles providing immense dexterity and fine motor control.1

At the tip of the trunk are specialized flaplike projections that enable delicate movements. The method used to grasp items varies by species:12
* African elephants use a "pinch" method, utilizing two flaplike projections (one above and one below) to pick up objects much like a human uses a thumb and index finger.1
* Asian elephants typically use a "grasp" method, curling the tip of the trunk around an item.1

Additionally, the trunk is highly sensitive, innervated by two proboscidean nerves, and equipped with tactile bristles. Specialized whiskers on the trunk provide sensory feedback, helping the elephant determine an object's location in space and the amount of pressure required to handle it without causing damage. This combination of muscular complexity, tactile sensitivity, and specialized physical appendages allows elephants to perform precise tasks, such as picking up a coin or handling food items like peanuts.12