Lecture 2a - The gene pool

Question 1

What is the definition of a breed?

Answer 1

A group of animals of similar form, behaviour and function developed and maintained by humans

Question 2

Criteria for breeds:

Answer 2

Common purpose
Common habitat
Closed gene pool
Distinct
Breed true

Question 3

How did wild ancestors develop?

Answer 3

Process of natural selection

Question 4

How do domestic species develop?

Answer 4

Selective breeding

Question 5

What is allopatric speciation?

Answer 5

The development of new species as a result of geographic separation of populations

Question 6

Within breed variation..

Answer 6

Provides genetic flexibility

May be limited by small gene pool

Question 7

Within breed variation is important because

Answer 7

Requirement to meet future needs
Diversity among environments
Nutritional needs of animals
Challenges from infectious agents

Question 8

Breeds can become extinct if

Answer 8

poor decisions
demand for certain traits
specialisation in farm systems
intense selective breeding
loss of indigenous breeds

Question 9

Intense selection-dairy genetics

Answer 9

1) data collection systems
2) artificial insemination
3) genetic evaluation system
4) embryo transfer

Question 10

Threats to livestock biodiversity

Answer 10

Increasing food biodiversity
Intensification
Shift in favourable species
Biotechnology

Question 11

In situ conservation

Answer 11

Incorporates all measures that aim to maintain live animals (in natural habitat)