Loxodonta exoptata is an extinct species of elephant in the genus Loxodonta, from Africa. A 2009 study suggested that Loxodonta exoptata gave rise to L. atlantica, which gave rise to L. africana.[1] The molars of L. exoptata are distinguished from later loxodonts by the lower plate number and their specialized enamel loops.[2] Fossil remains of L. exoptata have been found at Pliocene sites in eastern Africa including Hadar, Laetoli and Koobi Fora.[2]