Cheetah Genetic Variability and Disease Susceptibility

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Why do cheetahs exhibit multiple mating behavior?

To ensure survival in harsh environments.

To enhance genetic diversity within populations. (correct)

To signal reproductive fitness to potential mates.

To establish dominance within populations.

What challenges do cheetahs face due to low genetic variability?

Improved adaptability to new habitats.

Increased reproductive success.

Enhanced social interactions with other species.

Reduced health and survival rates. (correct)

How do African wild dogs maintain genetic diversity within populations?

By migrating to different regions regularly.

By engaging in solitary hunting behaviors.

Through selective breeding programs.

By employing mate selection strategies to avoid inbreeding. (correct)

What is a common challenge in maintaining cheetah populations in captivity?

Reproductive difficulties due to genetic issues. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, what do discussions about big cats and their relatives likely encompass?

Genetic diversity, reproduction, and conservation efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the penguins at the San Francisco Zoo swim more than 6,200 miles from December 24, 2002, to February 14, 2003?

To demonstrate their retained natural instincts despite being in captivity Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers benefit from observing the introduction of newcomers to the penguin colony at the San Francisco Zoo?

To understand social interactions, communication, and adaptation in captive penguin colonies Signup and view all the answers

What role does migration behavior play in studying penguin behavior at the San Francisco Zoo?

It reveals how penguins adapt to different environments over time Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of penguin behavior do researchers have an opportunity to study by introducing newcomers to the zoo environment?

Instinctual behaviors and adaptation to captive settings Signup and view all the answers

What valuable data can researchers obtain from long-term monitoring of the penguin colony at the San Francisco Zoo?

Insights into the effects of introductions and migrations on individual and population behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does the colonial behavior of penguins, as mentioned in the text, typically involve?

Tendency to live in large groups or colonies Signup and view all the answers

How does the lack of social hierarchy in a penguin colony impact their interactions?

Facilitates cooperation and resource sharing among individuals Signup and view all the answers

What kind of bird species is known for exhibiting flock behavior, as mentioned in the text?

Penguins, both in captivity and the wild Signup and view all the answers

In the context of captive penguins, what does an observed lack of social hierarchy imply?

Cooperation and resource sharing without strict dominance Signup and view all the answers

How do penguins differ from some colonial bird species with regard to social hierarchy?

Penguins cooperate and share resources without a strict dominance hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

Why do cheetahs have notably low genetic variability?

Due to historical population bottlenecks and subsequent genetic drift. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor influencing genetic variability in cheetah populations?

Genetic drift caused by random changes in allele frequencies. Signup and view all the answers

How does low genetic variability increase the likelihood of inbreeding in cheetah populations?

By reducing the pool of available genetic material for reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors contributing to historical population bottlenecks experienced by cheetahs?

Habitat loss, human persecution, and competition with other large carnivores. Signup and view all the answers

Why is genetic drift more pronounced in small cheetah populations?

Due to chance events causing random changes in allele frequencies. Signup and view all the answers

Why are dispersing individuals among social carnivores mostly females?

To avoid inbreeding and ensure population persistence Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial reason for African wild dogs to exhibit mate selection behavior?

To avoid inbreeding, crucial for their population's persistence Signup and view all the answers

What may happen to populations of African wild dogs continuing to avoid incestuous mating?

They may face extinction due to lack of unrelated mates Signup and view all the answers

What is the flexible structure of the hyoid bone coupled with a specialized ligament important for in roaring cats?

Facilitating roaring in these big cats Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that distinguishes tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards as the 'Big Four' among the big cats?

Their capability for genetic variability and unique mating strategies Signup and view all the answers

Why are cheetah populations susceptible to diseases?

Low genetic variability Signup and view all the answers

What was the mortality rate among cheetahs during the FIP outbreak in 1982 at Wildlife Safari?

60% Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Anatolian Shepherds in conservation efforts according to the text?

Protecting livestock to reduce cheetah killings Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Marker's strategy involve in terms of cheetah conservation?

Assisting ranchers in protecting livestock Signup and view all the answers

What does the establishment of the Cheetah Science Facility in Front Royal, VA underscore?

Ongoing efforts to study and conserve cheetah populations Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges facing cheetah populations in the wild?

Low genetic variability Signup and view all the answers

How do captive breeding programs aim to enhance genetic diversity in cheetahs?

Using artificial insemination and frozen semen Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the strategies employed to protect livestock from cheetah predation?

Collaborative efforts with farmers and ranchers Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes African wild dogs from other canids native to Africa?

Fewer toes and specialized dentition Signup and view all the answers

How do female cheetahs choose their mates in the wild?

Mimicking natural selection processes Signup and view all the answers