Wildlife Genetics and Conservation Strategies

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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?

To identify species and their prey Signup and view all the answers

Why should red wolves receive protection?

They can sometimes establish self-sustaining populations Signup and view all the answers

What is determined through forensic applications in population ecology?

Species killed for food or poached Signup and view all the answers

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

Determination of individual identity of coyotes Signup and view all the answers

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

They may develop their own adaptations and evolutionary history Signup and view all the answers

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

Through non-invasive sampling methods Signup and view all the answers

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

They should be managed as multiple taxonomic groups Signup and view all the answers

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

Identifying important taxonomic units Signup and view all the answers

How do genetic characteristics enhance taxonomy in wildlife management?

They reveal that historically grouped species may actually be distinct. Signup and view all the answers

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

Interbreeding between genetically distinct populations. Signup and view all the answers

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

It promoted the inclusion of hybrids for protection under the US Endangered Species Act. Signup and view all the answers

What role do genetic markers play in wildlife conservation?

They supplement other data to resolve taxonomic affiliations. Signup and view all the answers

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

Misallocation of conservation resources away from critical needs. Signup and view all the answers

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

Identifying genetic patterns resulting from interbreeding. Signup and view all the answers

Why is hybridization considered a complex issue in wildlife management?

It poses numerous biological and management-related challenges. Signup and view all the answers

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

Allocation of resources to more critically endangered taxa. Signup and view all the answers

How does noninvasive sampling contribute to wildlife population analysis?

It allows for genetic studies without disturbing the organisms. Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the role of genetic tools in wildlife population biology, including their applications in taxonomic identification and hybridization assessment. Understand how genetic data informs conservation strategies for species that have been historically misunderstood. This quiz delves into the intersection of genetics, taxonomy, and wildlife management.