In: Biology
he effective size of a population (Ne) can be much smaller than a census count of individuals (N). Conservation biologists are often interested in estimating the effective population size of species. A) First, briefly explain the concept of effective population size, B) then describe in a sentence or two one factor that might cause the effective population size to be smaller than the census count. C) Finally, why might Ne be of interest to a conservation biologist? How might the value of Ne affect the future success of an endangered species? Your answer to part C might refer to at least one of the equations or principles we’ve discussed that includes the parameter Ne (1/2Ne per generation, 4Ne generations, 4Nes >>1 ).