CSI Wildlife: Forensic Techniques and Trends

What is the primary goal of the CSI Wildlife activity?

• To study elephant migration patterns across Africa.

• To analyze genetic evidence to combat illegal elephant poaching.

• To develop new methods for elephant breeding in captivity.

• To educate students about the history of ivory trade.

Which scientific techniques are utilized in the CSI Wildlife activity to identify the source of illegal ivory?

• Radiocarbon dating and fossil analysis.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA profiling.

• Spectrophotometry and chromatography.

• Microscopic examination and chemical assays.

Besides seized ivory, what other source of elephant DNA is mentioned for comparison in the forensic investigation?

• Elephant hair samples.

• Elephant blood samples.

• Elephant dung samples.

• Elephant bone fragments.

What trend is observed in elephant populations regarding tuskless females in areas with heavy poaching compared to areas with less poaching?

• The percentage of tuskless females decreases with heavy poaching.

• Heavy poaching leads to an increase in the percentage of tuskless females over time.

• Poaching has no significant effect on the prevalence of tuskless females.

• Tuskless females are only found in areas with no poaching.