6. The Florida panther, Puma concolor, is an endangered species. Because of huma

Question

6. The Florida panther, Puma concolor, is an endangered species. Because of human development the habitat of this large predator is becoming increasingly fragmented. It is estimated that only about 100 panthers remain in existence today. a. Biologists have expressed concern about the effects of genetic drift on this species. Explain how genetic drift can be expected to affect allele frequencies of this species and why biologists are concerned. (2 points) b. Biologists have proposed the construction of wildlife corridors to improve migration behavior of the panther. Explain the effect that corridors could have on the allele frequencies of this species. (2 points)

Explanation / Answer

Ans6:

a

Genetic drift can lead to sudden change in allele frequencies. Here only 100 individuals survive which represents a case of Bottleneck effect. The new population will arise from this small population of 100 panthers with much smaller as well as less diverse gene pool. In the long run, this may pose inbreeding problems which reduces fitness/adaptation to changing environments. (This may lead to sudden collapse of population due to an epidemic. )  

It can lead to disappearance of rare alleles and further loss of genetic diversity.

(b)

Opening of corridors would increase migrations and allow isolated population to mate.

This would lead to exchange of genetic material , reduce genetic differentiation , and improved genetic resilience (adapataion to changes). It would help to enhance gene pool .

(c)

Artificial mating may lead to conservation of certain genes, by mating organisms having complementary traits . This would result into fixation of certain alleles and disappearance of other rare alleles.

Extreme alleles may get fixed under artificial selection. This may lead to loss of alleles required for survival in wild , or alleles for fitness.

Genetic drift can lead to sudden change in allele frequencies. Here only 100 individuals survive which represents a case of Bottleneck effect. The new population will arise from this small population of 100 panthers with much smaller as well as less diverse gene pool. In the long run, this may pose inbreeding problems which reduces fitness/adaptation to changing environments. (This may lead to sudden collapse of population due to an epidemic. )  

It can lead to disappearance of rare alleles and further loss of genetic diversity.

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