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Resource Type
Duration
00:10:19Description
This video follows scientists working in Gorongosa National Park as they try to determine the genes responsible for tusk development in elephants.
Normally, more than 90% of female African elephants have tusks. But in Gorongosa National Park, which has a history of heavy poaching, about 50% of the elephants are tuskless. To study this striking phenomenon, scientists are looking for the gene or genes involved in tusk development and how variations in these genes can lead to tusklessness.
In this video, biologists Shane Campbell-Staton and Dominique Gonçalves walk through the steps of collecting DNA samples from elephants in Gorongosa and identifying a gene on the X chromosome that is likely involved in tusklessness.
An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player. Select the “AD” button to enable audio description.
Key Terms
AMLEX, DNA sequence, genome, poaching, teeth, variations, X chromosome, X-linked inheritance
Primary Literature
Campbell-Staton, Shane C., Brian J. Arnold, Dominique Gonçalves, Petter Granli, Joyce Poole, Ryan A. Long, and Robert M. Pringle. 2021. “Ivory Poaching and the Rapid Evolution of Tusklessness in African Elephants.” Science 374, 6566: 483–487. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abe7389.
Terms of Use
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Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS3.B, HS-LS4.B, HS-LS4.C
AP Biology (2019)
EVO-1, EVO-3
IB Biology (2016)
3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 5.2, 10.2, C.3
AP Environmental Science (2020)
Topic(s): 2.1, 2.6, 9.10
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)
3.3
Vision and Change (2009)
CC1, CC5