ELI5- how do scientists know that a particular species’ (panda, turtle, sharks, tigers) population is getting extinct?
In: Earth Science
Another method, which is more genetic-based:
Most (not all, but most) species required what is called heterogeneity. They need a diverse gene pool to stave off illness, inbreeding and other genetic weaknesses.
For example, the last known wild population of black footed ferrets were captured and have been bred from about 30 survivors up to a few hundred (I think, not sure on that number, but a significant number compared to where they were). Which is awesome! But with such a limited gene pool things are still very grim for the ferrets. That’s why when a ferret was recently born from a type of cloning of a previously deceased ferret – this was big news, because this ferret will add to the diversity of the gene pool.
This is also a big issue for Yellowstone grizzlies. They have a fairly stable population (well, they have other issues but anyway) however they are completely cut off from any other existing populations – the rest of the grizzlies for the most part are in Canada. Consequently the Yellowstone grizzlies have a serious case of a homogeneous gene pool.
Latest Answers