Question

Should we be worried about low genetic variation in small populations of endangered species? (Focus your answer in at least two different endangered species).

Answer 1

The answer is yes. Genetic variation is the basis of evolution. The population cannot evolve in response to the changing environmental needs and may face a risk of extinction without or low genetic variation. Small populations with low genetic variation may not be able to adapt to challenges such as change in environmental condition, decreasing flora and fauna , new diseases.

For example , when a group of population is exposed to new disease, the selection may act on the genes for the resistance to the new disease, but if there is no gene due to lack of genetic variation the population would vanish making them endangered species.

Evolutionary theory predicts the risk of population decline due to low genetic variation. Scientists found that cheetah, with low genetic variation that had been exposed to deadly virus had reduced the cheetah population to nearly 50%. But the lions in the same habitat had not even developed any symptoms.

Globally , the vulture population have declined due to low genetic variation . During the last decade , Africa and Asia have experienced the highest decline in vulture population. Out of 23 species of vulture 16 species is declared as endangered. Not only vultures there is also decline of other species of birds.