Which term signifies an adult female elk or an adult female moose?

The term "cow" is specifically used to refer to an adult female elk or an adult female moose. In wildlife terminology, the word "cow" is widely accepted and utilized to describe mature female members of several species, including these two.

For elk, "cow" distinguishes the female from a "bull," which designates the male. Similarly, in the case of moose, the use of "cow" serves the same purpose, differentiating adult females from males, known as "bull moose." This terminology is important for wildlife management and conservation efforts as it helps in understanding population dynamics and reproductive behaviors.

The other terms listed have specific applications to different species. "Calf" refers to the young offspring of an elk or moose, while "ewe" is the term for an adult female sheep. "Doe" is used to describe a female deer or rabbit rather than elk or moose. Thus, "cow" is the appropriate term for the context of this question.