DNA sequencing/profiling in Conservation

Question 1

what are 4 uses of DNA profiling and sequencing in conservation

Answer 1

1. monitoring endangered species
2. assembly gene pools for breeding programs
3. quarantine
4. tracking changing biodiversity

Question 2

How does DNA profiling allow the monitoring of endangered species

Answer 2

Allows ecologists to map the gene pool of an endangered population. A gene pool is used to determine the biodiversity of the population.

Question 3

what are 2 things mapping a genome allows scientists to do

Answer 3

1. determine the susceptibility of individuals to disease
2. aid the development of vaccines against diseases

Question 4

what eDNA

Answer 4

Is environmental DNA. They are traces of DNA left in the environment.

Question 5

what are 3 examples of places where eDNA can be found

Answer 5

1. water bodies
2. faeces
3. fur

Question 6

how does DNA profiling allow gene pools to be assessed for breeding programs

Answer 6

DNA profiling allows zoos to introduce individuals into breeding programs to increase biodiversity. The increase in biodiversity will make the wild population more resilient to change when individuals are introduced.

Question 7

how DNA profiling allows for quarantine

Answer 7

DNA profiling can be used to determine whether animals were bred in captivity or in the wild. Infected organisms may be isolated until they clear infectious diseases.

Question 8

how does DNA profiling allow changes in biodiversity to be tracked

Answer 8

DNA profiling can be used to gather information to track changes in biodiversity at a species or ecosystem level. This can understand changing selection pressures.