1.6 Genetic Mutations and Adaptability of Organisms
Emerging Reproductive Technologies
A Case Study in Genetic Diversity- The Cheetah
We'll use cheetahs as an example to help you understand the importance of genetic diversity in a population. The cheetah has been called the “poster child” for genetic diversity. After you read the following case study, you might see why.
Instructions
Read the Case Study, and then answer the questions that follow.
Image and article adapted from Genetic Diversity courtesy of Cheetah Conservation Fund 20,000 years ago, cheetahs lived in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. About 10,000 years ago, all but one species of cheetah became extinct. This population decline forced close relatives to breed. As a result, the cheetah became genetically inbred. Inbred animals suffer from a lack of genetic diversity. As cheetah populations continue to decline, there is less and less genetic diversity in the species. Genes store inherited genetic information. Even though they may determine the same trait, each gene is different in every individual. By studying genetic diversity, scientists can figure out how animals in a population are related. This helps them predict how changes may affect the population. Cheetahs have much lower genetic diversity than other cats. This can cause lowered resistance to disease. Viruses that might affect one cheetah could be deadly to every cheetah. Other species are more diverse, so some individuals will naturally be more resistant to a virus. Since all cheetahs have a low genetic diversity, the virus could affect them all equally. |