Activity

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

Find out about the importance of translocation for the conservation of our native species in this video.

Rights: The University of Waikato

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?

Published: 8 July 2010