Tusklessness in African Elephants - College Board Pre-AP Work

According to the 1991 elephant conservation plan in Uganda, what was identified as the main cause of tusklessness in elephants?

Answer explanation

The 1991 elephant conservation plan in Uganda identified poaching for ivory as the main cause of tusklessness in elephants, as it led to a genetic shift favoring tuskless individuals to avoid being targeted.

What is the normal level of tusklessness in an elephant population according to the Ugandan report?

Answer explanation

According to the Ugandan report, the normal level of tusklessness in an elephant population is about 2%. This indicates that tusklessness is relatively rare in healthy populations.

Why are very few male elephants tuskless according to Dr. Joyce Poole?

Answer explanation

According to Dr. Joyce Poole, very few male elephants are tuskless because tusks are a sexually selected trait, primarily found in males, which serve as a display of strength and dominance in mating.

How does poaching affect the ratio of tuskless animals in a population according to Poole?

Answer explanation

According to Poole, poaching reduces the number of tusked animals, leading to a higher ratio of tuskless individuals in the population, as tusked animals are targeted for their ivory.

What is the frequency of tusklessness in the female population?

Answer explanation

The frequency of tusklessness in the female population is often higher due to selective pressures, such as poaching. This trait can be advantageous for survival, leading to increased prevalence among females.

What is the frequency of tusklessness in the male population?

Answer explanation

Tusklessness in male populations is rare due to sexual selection, as tusks are often favored for mating displays and dominance. Therefore, the frequency of tusklessness in males is significantly lower compared to females.

What is the overall frequency of tusklessness in the total elephant population?

Answer explanation

Tusklessness in elephants is a genetic trait influenced by environmental factors. The overall frequency varies by region, but in some populations, it can be as high as 90%, indicating a significant adaptation to poaching pressures.

Write three sentences that help explain why the frequencies of tusklessness in male and female elephant populations tend to differ. Use the conjunctions: but, because, so.

Answer explanation

Male elephants often have larger tusks, making them more targeted by poachers, but females with tusks are less likely to be hunted. Because of this, tusklessness is more common in males, so the frequency differs between genders.

Using the data table, calculate the percentage of tusked elephants in the total population.

Answer explanation

To find the percentage of tusked elephants, divide the number of tusked elephants by the total elephant population and multiply by 100. This gives you the proportion of tusked elephants in the overall population.

Explain why the frequency of the tusklessness trait is increasing in the African elephant population. Justify your answer using the principles of natural selection.

Answer explanation

The frequency of tusklessness in African elephants is increasing due to natural selection. Elephants without tusks are less targeted by poachers, leading to higher survival and reproduction rates, thus passing on the tuskless trait.