Exploring genetic variation
In this activity, students gain an understanding of the importance of genetic diversity within a population.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
identify possible outcomes of a lack of genetic diversity within a population of translocated bird species
identify requirements for genetic diversity within bird populations
discuss why scientists need to consider genetic diversity when preparing for a translocation of a threatened population.
Translocating animals
Associate Professor Alison Cree, from the University of Otago, talks about the importance of translocation for the conservation of our native species. In New Zealand, the Department of Conservation has the authority to approve translocation proposals. They do this in consultation with Māori as well as species experts.
Point of interest
Discuss other conservation methods you may have heard of. Are any of these methods linked to translocation?
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
discussion questions
extension ideas.
Related content
User these articles to explore the impacts of a bottleneck/founder effect on small populations. What impact does this have on genetic diversity and viability?
