The current wild population is estimated to be about 50 individuals. However, a new threat to red wolves has arisen: hybridization with coyotes (Canis latrans), which have become more numerous in the areas inhabited by red wolves. Although red wolves and coyotes differ in morphology and DNA, they are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Social behavior is the main reproductive barrier between the species and is more easily overcome when same-species mates are rare. For this reason, some people think that the endangered status of the red wolf should be withdrawn and resources should not be spent to protect what is not a “pure” species.

The current wild population is estimated to be about 50 individuals. However, a new threat to red wolves has arisen: hybridization with coyotes (Canis latrans), which have become more numerous in the areas inhabited by red wolves. Although red wolves and coyotes differ in morphology and DNA, they are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Social behavior is the main reproductive barrier between the species and is more easily overcome when same-species mates are rare. For this reason, some people think that the endangered status of the red wolf should be withdrawn and resources should not be spent to protect what is not a “pure” species.

Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (MindTap Course List)

5th Edition

ISBN:9781305117396

Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Publisher:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Chapter17: Communities And Ecosystems

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 4SQ

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Conservation biologists working with the Florida panther have set out camera traps to estimate the overall population. Through a combination of live trapping and hair snares, the biologists have worked out the exact genetics for two alleles in all remaining individuals. The homozygous recessive state causes a debilitating disease and the panthers die before reproducing. Biologists have found a high incidence of heterozygous individuals. Help the biologists determine the best conservation action in order to protect and boost the genetic health of the remaining population. The current population of Florida panthers in this example is twenty which is based upon available habitat. Eighteen of the panthers are heterozygous [Aa]. Scientists have determined that eighteen is the minimum viable population for the Florida panthers. If eighteen of the panthers are heterozygous and if homozygous recessive individuals die before reproducing, what is the genotype for the remaining two…
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