Historically, African elephants have had large ivory tusks. For many years, poachers (illegal hunters) have been killing elephants that have large tusks so they could sell the ivory, which is valuable. Now many African elephants have small tusks or do not develop tusks at all.

Question

Which statement is true?

Responses

Elephants without tusks are more likely to be hunted than elephants with large tusks.

Elephants without tusks are more likely to be hunted than elephants with large tusks.

Poaching has had no effect on the size of elephant tusks.

Poaching has had no effect on the size of elephant tusks.

The trait of tusk size in elephants has changed over time.

The trait of tusk size in elephants has changed over time.

Elephants without tusks cannot reproduce.

Answer 1

The statement that is true is:

The trait of tusk size in elephants has changed over time.

This statement reflects the impact of poaching on the elephant population, as selective hunting of elephants with large tusks has led to an increase in the number of elephants with smaller tusks or no tusks at all.