Question

1. What is meant by the term "genetic rescue"? Provide an example of genetic rescue for the conservation of a species.

2. Describe the prediction of optimal foraging theory. What evidence suggests that centrarchid fishes forage optimally?

Answer 1

Q1)

Genetic rescue-Definition

• Genetic rescue is a conservation strategy by which genes from one population to another is transferred to increase the overall genetic diversity of the species as well as to minimise inbreeding depression.
• It happens either naturally or is administered in certain species especially those which are facing risk of extinction

(NB: Inbreeding means breeding close relatives due to smaller population size of the species. Inbreeding depression is reduced biological fitness which happens due to inbreeding)

example of genetic rescue for the conservation of a species - Florida Panther

• 1995--> lesser than 30 Florida panthers lived in the wild.
• Since it was a very small population --> inbreeding depression --> irregular physical traits, declined fertilty
• In order to save the species from being extinct --> female Texas cougars were transfeered to Florida
• Mating between cougars and panthers --> speedier growth of population, fitness improved
• This saved the panthers , improved its survival.

Q2)
Optimal foraging theory (OFT)

• This theory helps us understand and predict foraging behaviour of an animal species.
• To improve its fitness,particular animal species adopts certain foraging strategy which benefits it by increasing its net energy gain.

(NB:Foraging-the term for the process by which animals obtain food)

Assumption used in this theory:

The best economic foraging pattern shall be selected for a species by natural selection.

Centrarchid fishes (OFT)

• Researches were carried out to determine the strategy used by the centrarchid fish in foraging.
• Studies showed that, centrarchid fishes selected their technique by an energy optimization strategy.
• Evidence: Analysis of the prey species types and sizes that were found in their stomach and the types of species that were present in the lake
• This evidence proved that, the fish avoided preys that had high evasion capabilities.