Evolution of Tusklessness in African Elephants

The exploitation of African elephants in the form of ivory poaching is exacerbated by warfare. The affects of this anthropogenic evolutionary force on the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) in the Gorongoas National Park in Mozambique was investigated (Campbell-Staton, et. al. 2021) after the Mozambican civil war (1997-1992). This multipart lesson is based on this research. Here, we explore allele frequencies, phenotypic data, and the use of a chi-squared test to determine if the population is in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Because one gene influencing tusklessness is X-linked, we also explore inheritance of the trait, using hemophilia as an example. The data used in this part of the lesson are simulated data based on reports from Zambia.