35 Questions
Why do cheetahs exhibit multiple mating behavior?
To enhance genetic diversity within populations.
What challenges do cheetahs face due to low genetic variability?
Reduced health and survival rates.
How do African wild dogs maintain genetic diversity within populations?
By employing mate selection strategies to avoid inbreeding.
What is a common challenge in maintaining cheetah populations in captivity?
Reproductive difficulties due to genetic issues.
In the context of the text, what do discussions about big cats and their relatives likely encompass?
Genetic diversity, reproduction, and conservation efforts.
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
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
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
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
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
What does the colonial behavior of penguins, as mentioned in the text, typically involve?
Tendency to live in large groups or colonies
How does the lack of social hierarchy in a penguin colony impact their interactions?
Facilitates cooperation and resource sharing among individuals
What kind of bird species is known for exhibiting flock behavior, as mentioned in the text?
Penguins, both in captivity and the wild
In the context of captive penguins, what does an observed lack of social hierarchy imply?
Cooperation and resource sharing without strict dominance
How do penguins differ from some colonial bird species with regard to social hierarchy?
Penguins cooperate and share resources without a strict dominance hierarchy
Why do cheetahs have notably low genetic variability?
Due to historical population bottlenecks and subsequent genetic drift.
What is the main factor influencing genetic variability in cheetah populations?
Genetic drift caused by random changes in allele frequencies.
How does low genetic variability increase the likelihood of inbreeding in cheetah populations?
By reducing the pool of available genetic material for reproduction.
What are some factors contributing to historical population bottlenecks experienced by cheetahs?
Habitat loss, human persecution, and competition with other large carnivores.
Why is genetic drift more pronounced in small cheetah populations?
Due to chance events causing random changes in allele frequencies.
Why are dispersing individuals among social carnivores mostly females?
To avoid inbreeding and ensure population persistence
What is a crucial reason for African wild dogs to exhibit mate selection behavior?
To avoid inbreeding, crucial for their population's persistence
What may happen to populations of African wild dogs continuing to avoid incestuous mating?
They may face extinction due to lack of unrelated mates
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
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
Why are cheetah populations susceptible to diseases?
Low genetic variability
What was the mortality rate among cheetahs during the FIP outbreak in 1982 at Wildlife Safari?
60%
What is the role of Anatolian Shepherds in conservation efforts according to the text?
Protecting livestock to reduce cheetah killings
What does Dr. Marker's strategy involve in terms of cheetah conservation?
Assisting ranchers in protecting livestock
What does the establishment of the Cheetah Science Facility in Front Royal, VA underscore?
Ongoing efforts to study and conserve cheetah populations
What is one of the challenges facing cheetah populations in the wild?
Low genetic variability
How do captive breeding programs aim to enhance genetic diversity in cheetahs?
Using artificial insemination and frozen semen
What is one of the strategies employed to protect livestock from cheetah predation?
Collaborative efforts with farmers and ranchers
What distinguishes African wild dogs from other canids native to Africa?
Fewer toes and specialized dentition
How do female cheetahs choose their mates in the wild?
Mimicking natural selection processes
Learn about the implications of low genetic variability in cheetah populations, including heightened susceptibility to diseases like viral peritonitis. Explore the consequences of skin graft experiments showing close tissue matches among captive cheetahs.
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