A mammalogist observes a herd of elephants where 40% of the adults are males. If there are 120 adult elephants in the herd, how many adult females are there?

Sun, 03 May 2026 22:49:16 +0000

**A mammalogist observes a herd of elephants where 40% of the adults are males. If there are 120 adult elephants in the herd, how many adult females are there?** Have you ever wondered how elephant herds maintain balance—especially when half the adults are male? Scientists studying elephant behavior notice a striking pattern: in many herds, about 40% of adult elephants are males, with the rest being females. In this herd of 120 adults, understanding the gender mix reveals fundamental dynamics in elephant social structure—particularly how these numbers shape herd stability, learning, and survival. This pattern isn’t just about biology—it’s a window into how populations manage social roles and generational continuity. As mammals, elephants rely on complex family units where both males and females contribute. While 40% being males reflects a natural demographic baseline, female elephants often lead family groups and play pivotal roles in knowledge transfer. Knowing how many females coexist provides key context for researchers studying long-term herd health. Now, breaking down the numbers: if 40% of 120 adult elephants are males, that means 0.40 × 120 equals 48 male adults. Subtracting these from the total gives 120 – 48 = 72 adult females. So, in this herd, there are 72 adult females—showing female dominance in numbers but balanced structure essential for group cohesion.