The Consequences of Selective Hunting on Trophy Rams

Unrestricted harvesting of trophy rams has contributed to a decline in the traits that determine trophy quality.

Hunters have selectively targeted rams of high genetic quality before their reproductive peak.

Selective and severe wildlife harvesting might elicit an undesired evolutionary response and result in genetic deterioration of harvested populations.

<p>Selective wildlife harvesting can have unexpected effects on genetically correlated traits, such as female body weight or disease resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is important for wildlife managers to consider genetic effects and evolutionary implications of harvest strategies because the changes caused by selective harvesting can be extremely difficult to reverse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A decline in the very traits that determine trophy quality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By selectively targeting rams of high genetic quality before their reproductive peak.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An undesired evolutionary response when the target trait is heritable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Unexpected effects on genetically correlated traits, such as female body weight or disease resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To prevent further genetic deterioration of harvested populations as anthropogenic selection pushes traits away from their naturally selected optima.</p> Signup and view all the answers