1. The document traces the evolution of elephants from early proboscideans like Moeritherium and Phiomia to modern elephants. 2. Key changes during evolution included an increase in size, elongation of the nose and upper lip to form a trunk, development of tusks, and adaptation of teeth for a grazing diet. 3. Modern elephants belong to the genera Elephas and Loxodonta and are characterized by their huge size, pillar-like legs, trunk, and teeth adapted for grinding plant material.