Wildlife Genetics and Conservation Strategies

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Questions and Answers

What is expected to occur occasionally between species without affecting their genetic integrity?

  • Extinction events
  • Inversions in genetic code
  • Hybrids (correct)
  • Cloning of species

Under what condition can hybrid offspring receive protection under the US Endangered Species Act?

  • If they are bred in captivity
  • If they have a larger population size than their parent species
  • If they are unique and different from both parents
  • If they closely resemble the listed species (correct)

What typically happens to hybrid lineages between species?

  • They usually die out (correct)
  • They always establish large populations rapidly
  • They revert to parent species
  • They become the dominant species

In population biology, what is one application for using genetic markers?

<p>To identify species and their prey (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should red wolves receive protection?

<p>They can sometimes establish self-sustaining populations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is determined through forensic applications in population ecology?

<p>Species killed for food or poached (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which application involves determining the sex of individuals from puncture wounds?

<p>Determination of individual identity of coyotes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome for hybrid populations if they are self-sustaining?

<p>They may develop their own adaptations and evolutionary history (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers estimate the abundance of certain species such as humpback whales?

<p>Through non-invasive sampling methods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What important concept is tied to species management regarding tuatara across New Zealand?

<p>They should be managed as multiple taxonomic groups (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary tasks genetic tools help address in wildlife population biology?

<p>Identifying important taxonomic units (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do genetic characteristics enhance taxonomy in wildlife management?

<p>They reveal that historically grouped species may actually be distinct. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does hybridization refer to in the context of wildlife genetics?

<p>Interbreeding between genetically distinct populations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the paper by O’Brien and Mayr (1991) have on hybrid policy?

<p>It promoted the inclusion of hybrids for protection under the US Endangered Species Act. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do genetic markers play in wildlife conservation?

<p>They supplement other data to resolve taxonomic affiliations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In wildlife population biology, what can potentially occur if multiple species are recognized as one?

<p>Misallocation of conservation resources away from critical needs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the use of genetic tools in detecting hybridization?

<p>Identifying genetic patterns resulting from interbreeding. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is hybridization considered a complex issue in wildlife management?

<p>It poses numerous biological and management-related challenges. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential outcome can arise from recognizing the similarity among species that were previously considered distinct?

<p>Allocation of resources to more critically endangered taxa. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does noninvasive sampling contribute to wildlife population analysis?

<p>It allows for genetic studies without disturbing the organisms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hybridization

The mixing of genes from different species, resulting in offspring with traits from both parent species.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Hybrid Zones

Regions where two species come into contact and occasionally interbreed.

Genetic Integrity

The genetic makeup of an organism.

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Taxonomy

The process of classifying organisms based on their shared characteristics.

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Population Ecology

The study of how populations of organisms interact with each other and their environment.

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Hybrid Lineage

A population that has unique adaptations and evolutionary history within a hybrid zone.

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Genetic Markers

The process of collecting and analyzing biological samples, such as DNA, to gain insights into populations.

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Individual Identity

The ability to identify individual animals using their unique genetic signatures.

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Forensic Applications

The use of genetic analysis to investigate crimes involving wildlife.

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Individual Identification

The process of using genetic markers to identify and differentiate between individuals within a population.

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Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs)

Groups of individuals within a species that are genetically distinct and have different evolutionary histories.

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Management Units (MUs)

Groups of individuals within a species that are managed separately for conservation purposes, often based on their geographical location or other factors.

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Genetic Connectivity

Use of genetic data to study gene flow and connectivity between populations, helping understand how individuals move and interact.

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Wildlife Forensics

Genetic information can be used for solving criminal investigations, identifying illegal poaching activities, and determining the source of harvested wildlife.

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Population Abundance Estimation

The use of genetic information to estimate the size and structure of populations, providing insight into population trends and threats.

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Conservation Implications of Genetics

Conservation strategies and policies are often influenced by genetic information, helping prioritize efforts and allocate resources effectively.

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Study Notes

Wildlife Population Biology Using Genetic Tools

  • Genetic tools offer powerful insights into wildlife populations, including quantifying connectivity, estimating abundance, and solving harvest violations.
  • Basic tasks like identifying taxonomic units and distinguishing individuals are aided by genetic tools.

Taxonomy and Hybridization

  • Genetic data, along with morphology and life history, helps determine species.
  • Genetic information can reveal groups previously considered a single species are actually multiple species, needing different conservation strategies.
  • Conversely, multiple species may be more similar than previously thought, potentially freeing resources for truly endangered taxa.
  • Genetic markers help precisely define taxonomic affiliations to assess evolutionary or management units.
  • Hybridization, the interbreeding of genetically different populations, presents complex biological and management challenges.

Historical Policy on Hybrids

  • Before 1990, hybrids were typically excluded from Endangered Species Act protections due to the view they were impure.
  • A key paper by O’Brien and Mayr (1991) influenced policy change.
  • Current policy acknowledges occasional natural hybrids do not undermine species integrity. Protection under the Endangered Species Act depends on the hybrid offspring resembling the listed species based on morphology, behaviour, ecology and molecular data.
  • Hybrid lineages can occasionally establish themselves as new species, warranting conservation if developed outside captivity and are self-sufficient.

Applications of Genetic Tools (Table 3.1)

  • Species Identification: Determining species based on hair, scat, owl pellets, etc.
  • Taxonomic Relationships: Classifying tuatara or seaside sparrows into appropriate management units.
  • Hybrid Detection: Identifying interspecies hybrids (e.g., lynx-bobcat, owl hybrids)
  • Individual Identification: Determining sex and identity of individuals (e.g., coyotes killing sheep, whale abundance) and parentage.
  • Movement Rates: Calculating movement between populations (e.g., skinks between outcrops) and assessing dispersal differences based on sex.
  • Genetic Variation: Understanding loss of heterozygosity in populations like Florida panthers, and historical population size (e.g., northern elephant seals).
  • Forensic Applications: Determining species in wildlife products, identifying poached species based on remaining samples.

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