Wildlife genetics

Question 1

Why is genetics important in conserving and managing wildlife?

Answer 1

Explains much species biology and ecology

Can identify species/ subspecies and/or populations

Explains factors involved in the risk of extinction and in genetic management

Conservation and management programs must consider population structure which can be revealed by understanding its genetics

Question 2

Examples of how genetics aids conservation

Answer 2

Using chromosomes and/or DNA to resolve taxonomic doubts
- Differences in chromosomal number and structure

Species may appear to have a wide distribution and a low risk of extinction but they could in fact correspond to distinct species or subspecies.

Cytogenetics can provide information about the number and structure of chromosomes to assess differentiation between species and polymorphism within species as a first steps to assess biodiversity

Question 3

Cytogenetics

Answer 3

investigates chromosomal structure and function in mitotic phase

Question 4

Metacentric

Answer 4

the position of the centromere in the chromosome results in both arms of the chromosome having EQUAL lengths

Question 5

Submetacentric

Answer 5

here the centromere’s position means the arms are of UNEQUAL lengths

Question 6

Acrocentric

Answer 6

the centromere’s position means the short arm (p arm) of the chromosome is much shorter than the long arm (q arm)

Question 7

Telocentric

Answer 7

the centromere lies at the terminal end of the chromosome. All mouse chromosomes are telocentric

Question 8

Importance of cytogenetic techniques

Answer 8

provides information about the differences between species and rearrangements that have occurred during their evolution

Question 9

Advantages of high genetic diversity

Answer 9

Enables resistance and adaptation to new pests and diseases and to environmental changes