Photo AI
Cattle have been domesticated by humans for approximately 10 000 years - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 34 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 34
Cattle have been domesticated by humans for approximately 10 000 years. Many biotechnologies have been employed in the farming of cattle. The table shows examples o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cattle have been domesticated by humans for approximately 10 000 years - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 34 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the effect of biotechnologies on the biodiversity of cattle
Answer
Biotechnologies can significantly influence the biodiversity of cattle. They can increase, maintain, or decrease biodiversity depending on the methods employed.
Selective Breeding: This process enhances specific traits, such as milk production, but it often leads to a decrease in genetic diversity. By focusing on a few high-yield breeds, genetic variation is reduced, which can make the population more susceptible to diseases.
Artificial Insemination: While this technique enables the spread of desirable traits across a wider range, it can also lead to reduced biodiversity if a few bulls dominate the gene pool. This occurs when a limited number of genetically superior individuals are used, potentially reducing the overall genetic variation within the population.
Whole Organism Cloning: The low success rate of cloning means that this technology has less immediate impact on biodiversity. However, when cloning is successful, it can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity since identical clones lack genetic variation.
Hybridisation: This has the potential to increase biodiversity by introducing traits from different species, leading to new combinations. Such practices can enhance adaptability in changing environments. However, it is essential that hybridisation is managed well to prevent the dilution of original breeds.
Transgenic Organisms: The introduction of transgenic cattle may provide benefits in terms of productivity and disease resistance, yet raises concerns about the effects on the natural gene pool. If not managed correctly, transgenic organisms could lead to reduced biodiversity by outcompeting traditional breeds.
In conclusion, while these biotechnologies offer pathways to improve productivity in cattle farming, careful consideration must be given to their impact on biodiversity. Maintaining genetic diversity is critical for resilience and long-term sustainability in cattle populations.