Question 1 In conservation genetics, heterozygosity is a fundamental measure of
genetic diversity within a population. For example, if a population of leopards has an
observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.35, this means 35% of individuals possess different
alleles at a given genetic locus. In com...
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Isolated Leopard Population
1.1 Observed vs. Expected Heterozygosity
The observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.20 is significantly lower than the expected
heterozygosity (He) of 0.52. This disparity suggests that there is a notable deficiency in
genetic diversity within the population. Ho indicates that only 20% of individuals have
different alleles at a given locus, which is much lower than the 52% expected under
random mating conditions. Such a difference implies that the leopard population may be
experiencing inbreeding or genetic drift, leading to increased homozygosity. This low
genetic diversity can cause a decline in adaptive potential and increase vulnerability to
diseases, thereby threatening the population's long-term viability.
1.2 Inbreeding Coefficient (Fis)
1.2.1 Interpretation of Higher Fis Value
The higher inbreeding coefficient (Fis = 0.65) for the isolated leopard population
indicates a substantial degree of inbreeding. This suggests that a large proportion of the
alleles in this population are inherited from common ancestors, resulting in a reduction
of genetic variation. In contrast, the non -isolated population with a lower Fis of 0.09 is
more genetically diverse and less affected by inbreeding, indicating healthier genetic
mixing among individuals.
1.2.2 Possible Consequences of Inbreeding
The consequences of inbreeding in this isolated leopard population may include:
1. Increased Homozygosity: This can lead to an expression of deleterious recessive
alleles, potentially increasing the prevalence of genetic disorders and lower fitness.
2. Reduced Adaptive Potential: With less genetic variation, the population may
struggle to adapt to environmental changes or new diseases, heightening the risk of
extinction.
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