Elephants are Ecosystem Engineers (IMAGE) Santa Fe Institute Caption Elephants engineer their ecosystems -- they root out saplings and small trees, creating habitats for smaller vertebrates, which helps maintain the grassland. Credit Justin Yeakel Usage Restrictions Credit Justin Yeakel License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.