Effects of Inbreeding and Genetic Diversity in Cheetahs

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What distinguishes cheetahs as remarkable predators and athletes?

Their habitat primarily in eastern and southern Africa.

Their distinctive head shape that aids in minimizing air resistance.

Their oversized heart and respiratory system. (correct)

Their long and muscular tail that serves as a stabilizer and rudder.

What is the purpose of the cheetah's long, muscular tail during high-speed pursuits?

To provide a sleek profile for minimizing air resistance.

To aid in efficient oxygen delivery during sprints.

To facilitate rapid acceleration.

To serve as a stabilizer and rudder for making rapid turns. (correct)

In what regions are cheetahs primarily found?

South America

Eastern Europe

Australia

Eastern and Southern Africa (correct)

What physical characteristic of cheetahs contributes to their aerobatic grace and agility?

Exceptionally long legs Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes adult male cheetahs from females in terms of size?

Males generally have a larger and heavier physique. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the historical significance of cheetahs in Asian cultures?

They were used for hunting by Kublai Khan. Signup and view all the answers

How did ancient Egyptian society view cheetahs?

As potential pets for wealthy individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure from the text was captivated by cheetahs and possibly imported them for hunting purposes?

William the Conqueror Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the fact that cheetahs were more amenable to taming and domestication compared to other big cats?

They were used as hunting companions and pets by various cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What role did cheetahs play in the hunting practices of Kublai Khan?

They assisted in his hunting expeditions. Signup and view all the answers

Why do challenges such as low genetic variability suggest that cheetahs may never become a robust species in the foreseeable future?

The genetic diversity in cheetah populations is insufficient for evolutionary adaptation. Signup and view all the answers

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

By employing techniques like artificial insemination and the use of frozen semen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key strategy employed in educating the public about cheetah conservation, as mentioned in the text?

Raising awareness about the threats facing cheetahs and their importance through campaigns. Signup and view all the answers

How do collaborative efforts with farmers and ranchers help protect cheetah populations?

By reducing the need for retaliatory killings and promoting coexistence between humans and cheetahs. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) from other canids mentioned in the text?

Their specialized dentition and fewer toes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do cheetahs have low genetic variability?

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

What is the impact of small populations on genetic drift?

It can lead to random changes in allele frequencies within a population. Signup and view all the answers

How have historical bottlenecks affected cheetah populations?

By causing significant population declines and reducing genetic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Why is inbreeding more likely in cheetah populations with low genetic variability?

Low genetic variability reduces the availability of unrelated mates. Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic drift influence the loss of genetic diversity over time?

Genetic drift leads to random changes in allele frequencies, reducing diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the low genetic variability in cheetah populations have, as explained in the text?

Leads to higher mortality rates during disease outbreaks Signup and view all the answers

How does Dr. Marker's breeding program involving Anatolian Shepherds contribute to conservation efforts according to the text?

By providing guard dogs to assist in protecting livestock from cheetah attacks Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Cheetah Science Facility established in Front Royal, VA, as mentioned in the text?

To conduct research and conservation efforts related to cheetah populations Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the outbreak of viral peritonitis (FIP) among cheetahs at Wildlife Safari in 1982 highlight the consequences of low genetic variability?

Led to a significantly higher mortality rate among cheetahs Signup and view all the answers

How does Dr. Marker's approach with Anatolian Shepherds help reduce conflicts between ranchers and cheetahs?

By providing guard dogs to protect livestock from cheetah predation Signup and view all the answers

Why did cheetahs hold a special place in ancient Egyptian society?

Cheetahs were considered sacred animals in Egyptian mythology. Signup and view all the answers

How did William the Conqueror show his fascination with cheetahs?

By domesticating cheetahs for his royal menagerie. Signup and view all the answers

How did Kublai Khan utilize cheetahs in his hunting expeditions?

As tracking companions to locate prey. Signup and view all the answers

Why were cheetahs considered amenable to taming throughout history?

As they formed strong bonds with their human companions. Signup and view all the answers

How did cheetah-human interaction play out across various civilizations?

Cheetahs were revered as symbols of royalty and nobility. Signup and view all the answers

Why do cheetahs face challenges due to low genetic variability?

Low genetic variability impacts their health and survival. Signup and view all the answers

How does the multiple mating behavior of cheetahs affect genetic diversity?

It enhances genetic diversity within populations. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges does maintaining cheetah populations in captivity pose?

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

How do African wild dogs maintain genetic diversity within populations?

By employing mate selection strategies to avoid inbreeding. Signup and view all the answers

What likely does 'The Big Cats and Other Relatives' refer to in the text?

Genetic variability in big cats like lions and tigers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is low genetic variability a concern for cheetah populations?

It can impact their health and survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of cheetahs exhibiting multiple mating behavior?

Enhancing genetic diversity within populations. Signup and view all the answers

How do African wild dogs differ from cheetahs in terms of mate selection strategies?

Cheetahs seek to avoid inbreeding through mate selection strategies. Signup and view all the answers