Suppose you were a conservation biologist working to preserve two populations of monkeys. The first population has 5000 individuals, while the second population has 50,000 individuals. Which population do you expect to have higher genetic diversity? Consider which evolutionary process(es) may be different between these populations. Justify your response.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Consider the size of each population. Generally, larger populations have more opportunities for mutations and genetic recombination, which are key sources of genetic diversity.
2. Reflect on the impact of genetic drift, which is more pronounced in smaller populations. Genetic drift can lead to a more rapid loss of genetic variation in smaller populations compared to larger ones.
3. Think about the founder effect and bottleneck events. If either population has experienced such events, it could significantly affect their genetic diversity. Smaller populations are typically more susceptible to drastic changes in genetic diversity due to these events.
4. Evaluate the potential for gene flow in each population. Populations with more connections to other groups (e.g., through migration) can have higher genetic diversity. Isolation can reduce genetic diversity.
5. Assess the overall environmental and ecological factors that might influence each population differently, such as different selective pressures or habitat fragmentation, which could influence the genetic diversity observed in each population.

Key Concepts

Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It is crucial for the adaptability and survival of populations, as higher genetic diversity increases the likelihood of individuals possessing traits that can withstand environmental changes and diseases. In conservation biology, maintaining genetic diversity is essential for the long-term viability of species.

Population Size and Genetic Drift

Population size significantly influences genetic diversity through a process known as genetic drift, which is the random fluctuation of allele frequencies in a population. In smaller populations, genetic drift can lead to the loss of alleles and reduced genetic variation over time, making them more vulnerable to extinction. Conversely, larger populations tend to maintain higher levels of genetic diversity due to a greater pool of alleles.

Effective Population Size

Effective population size (Ne) is a measure of the number of individuals in a population that contribute to the next generation's gene pool. It often differs from the actual population size due to factors like unequal sex ratios, variation in reproductive success, and fluctuations in population size. A higher effective population size generally correlates with greater genetic diversity, as it reflects the number of individuals that can pass on their genes.