Gorongosa Elephants

What happened to the elephant population of Gorongosa National Park from 1977-1992?

• Poachers killed 99% of the elephants during a drought

• Poachers killed 90% of the elephants during a civil war

• Disease killed 99% of the elephants during a civil war

• Disease killed 90% of the elephants during a drought

What function do tusks serve for all elephants? Select ALL that apply.

• stripping tree bark

• extra water storage

• digging for water

• decoration

Why might tusklessness be a disadvantage to male elephants in the Gorongosa National Park during the civil war?

• Tuskless males cannot be recognized or accepted by their herd members

• Tuskless males have a harder time finding water because their tusks direct them to water sources

• Tuskless males are unable to defend themselves or compete for mates

• Tuskless males are more likely to be targeted by poachers

Why were elephants poached during the Mozambique civil war between 1977-1992?

• Their tusks were used to make tools for farming.

• Their meat was the main food source for soldiers.

• Their hides were used to make military tents.

• Their ivory was sold to fund armed groups.

Natural selection is acting upon the elephant population by selecting those individuals born with no tusks.

What type of natural selection does this demonstrate?

• stabilizing

• directional

• disruptive

• geographic

The trait of tusklessness increased exponentially in Mozambique during the 15 year civil war.

This is an example of what type speciation rate?

• punctuated equilibrium

• adaptive radiation

• convergent evolution

• gradualism