Scientists seem to have figured out how elephants developed trunks

The Choerolophodontidae lived in closed forests, the Amebelodontidae favored open spaces such as grasslands, and the Gomphotheriidae lived in mixed zones, which was reflected in the way their jaws moved depending on the food they ate. Scientists pointed out that the nasal region of the skulls of the latter two families was similar to modern elephants, implying that they could grab and bring food to their mouths.

At that time, scientists said, the climate became colder and drier, and spaces became more open, causing early elephants to use their trunks to gather grasses, and this eventually triggered evolutionary changes.