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Chapter 3: Problem 8

A housing development is put on hold because it threatens a population of sunflowers that may be part of an endangered species. How could conservation genetics help settle this question?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Conservation genetics can help settle the question of whether the threatened sunflower population is part of an endangered species by collecting samples of the plants, conducting genetic analysis, and comparing the genetic information to that of known endangered species. If the sunflowers are found to be part of an endangered species, appropriate conservation measures can be taken, guided by insights from their genetic structure, variability, and evolutionary history. This information could then be used to adjust the housing development in such a way that it does not harm the sunflower habitat.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Conservation Genetics

Conservation genetics refers to the application of genetics to preserve species. It looks into the genetic variations within a species to conserve biological diversity. It involves aspects like genetic diversity, gene flow, genetic drift and bottlenecks, mutation, and selection.
02

Collecting Samples

To determine whether the population of sunflowers is indeed a part of an endangered species, samples need to be collected for genetic analysis. It is important that the samples are representative of the population in question.
03

Conducting Genetic Analysis

Once samples have been collected, the task at hand is the genetic analysis. It involves DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, and related tasks to get the gene sequence of the collected samples. It is through these steps that one is able to look at the genetic structure of the population.
04

Comparing Genetic Information

Next, it is necessary to compare the obtained genetic information of the threatened sunflowers with that of known endangered species. This will help in determining whether the sunflowers are part of an endangered species. The comparison can be made using genetic databases that host information about various species.
05

Making a Conclusion

Based on the results of the genetic comparisons, a conclusion can be drawn as to whether the sunflowers in question are a part of an endangered species. If they are, appropriate steps can be taken to conserve them and to adjust the housing development in a way that doesn't harm their habitat. If they aren't, the housing development can proceed with the understanding that an endangered species is not being threatened.
06

Implementing Conservation Plans

If indeed the sunflowers are part of an endangered species, conservation plans need to be implemented to protect them. Conservation genetics can also guide in strategizing the conservation measures by understanding the genetic structure, variability, and evolutionary history of the species. This approach ensures the long-term survival of the species.

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