Summary Griede (Frankham) LDM221VE / HDM21

Explain Conservation genetics.

Answer: The use of genetic theory and techniques to reduce the risk of extinction in threatened species.

What is the longer-term goal of Conservation genetics?

Answer: Preserve species as dynamic entities capable of coping with environmental change.

Why would you want to conserve species? Conserve biology because? 4 reasons.

Answer: -Economic value of bioresources (voeding, kleding etc.) - Ecosystem services (bv. O2-productie planten) - Aesthetics (plezier) - Right of living organisms to exist (ethisch)

What are the 3 IUCN classifications?

Answer: critically endangered (< 50 adult individuals), endangered (< 250 individuals), vulnerable (<1000 individuals)

What are other factors the IUCN (World conservation union)takes in account when classifying species?

Answer: The rate of decline in population size, restriction in habitat area, the current population size and/or quantitatively predicted probability of extinction.

Threatened species are protected from trade by countries that have signed the .....

Answer: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Name the two main factors responsible for extinction.

Answer: - Human associated factors(deterministic, predictable) - Stochastic factors (additional accidental):

Name human associated factors causing extinction.

Answer: Population growth -> 1 habitat loss, 2 introduced species, 3 over-exploitation 4 pollution.

Name Stochastic factors (additional accidental) that cause extinction.

Answer: 1 Environmental stochasticity: random unpredictable variation in, for example, rain fall and food supply. 2 Demographic stochasticity: random variation in birth and death rates and sexratios due to chance alone. 3 Catastrophes: extreme environmental events due to tornadoes, floods, harsh winters etc. 4 Genetic stochasticity: impacts of inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity and mutational accumulation on species. 5 Inbreeding (inteelt): production of offspring from related parents. Inbreeding on average reduces birth rates and increases death rates ( inbreeding depression). 6 Loss of genetic diversity: reduces the ability of populations to adapt to changing environments via natural selection.

Which of the two main factors responsible for extinction is more likely to cause extinction in smaller populations? Explain.

Answer: Increase the risk of extinction in small populations, mostly due to inbreeding and low genetic diversity.