Final answer:
To best maintain homeostasis, the elephant should flap its ears to create a breeze, which helps cool the body by increasing airflow and facilitating heat loss. The large ears and loose skin of an elephant are adaptations that aid in regulating body temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement involves an elephant walking on the hot African plains and facing an increase in body temperature. To maintain homeostasis, the elephant should employ behaviors that help regulate its temperature. While several options are available, option C, flapping its ears to create a breeze, is highly effective. Elephants have large ears with many blood vessels. By flapping their ears, they can increase airflow and enhance heat loss, much like a fan helps in evaporating sweat and cooling the body. Moreover, the loose skin of an elephant, by having a greater skin area, allows excess heat to dissipate as heat escapes through the skin.