Final answer:
Evidence showing the relationship between a mother elephant and her baby includes nurturing behaviors, protective actions, and empathetic gestures. Insights from studies on elephant behavior and research on early social bonds in animals support the existence of a deep bond between them.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the central themes in the story of the mother elephant and her baby in 'The Elephant and His Old Blind Mother' is the deep bond and caring relationship between them. Evidence of this loving relationship is manifested through the protective behaviors and empathetic actions of the mother elephant towards her offspring. Similar to insights from the article on elephants expressing empathy towards each other when stressed, the mother in this story could be seen using physical contact, reassuring gestures, or nurturing behavior to support her baby.
The Harlow studies with rhesus monkeys also highlight the importance of early social bonds in development, suggesting that the mother elephant would likely provide physical comfort and security, in addition to basic needs such as food and protection. Observations of elephant behavior, as shown in various scientific literature, support the notion that elephants, including mothers with their babies, form strong social ties and display complex social interactions.