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.

非洲象象牙盗猎的利用形式，因战争而加剧。对莫桑比克戈龙戈阿斯国家公园（Gorongoas National Park）内的非洲草原象（Loxodonta africana）所受此人为进化力量影响的研究（Campbell-Staton 等人，2021年）是在莫桑比克内战（1992-1997年）之后进行的。本多部分课程基于此研究。在此，我们探讨等位基因频率、表型数据，以及使用卡方检验来确定种群是否处于哈迪-温伯格平衡状态。由于影响无角性状的一个基因是X连锁的，我们还探讨了该性状的遗传方式，并以血友病为例。本课程这部分使用的数据是基于赞比亚报告的模拟数据。