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The mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) is restricted to four regions in Australia's alpine zone - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 32 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 32
The mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) is restricted to four regions in Australia's alpine zone. The species is listed as critically endangered with less than 2... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) is restricted to four regions in Australia's alpine zone - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 32 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the changes seen in the Mt Buller population following recent bushfires and the introduction of males from Mt Bogong.
Answer
Following bushfires, the Mt Buller population experienced a marked decline. The graph indicates fluctuations in population size with a significant drop around the years of the bushfires, illustrating the detrimental effects of habitat loss. However, after the introduction of males from Mt Bogong, a recovery trend is observed from 2007 onwards. This suggests that genetic inflow from these males may have improved the reproductive success and resilience of the population.
Moreover, the gradual increase from 2007 to 2016 indicates that these management strategies have started to yield positive results, helping the population to recover towards healthier numbers and more stable genetic variability.
Step 2
Describe factors affecting the Mt Buller pygmy possum population.
Answer
Several factors have affected the Mt Buller pygmy possum population. Primarily, bushfires and habitat destruction have reduced available living space and food resources, leading to lower survival rates. Environmental stressors, such as climate change, also impact habitat suitability, forcing populations into smaller, isolated areas.
Additionally, the bottleneck effect due to low population size in previous years has likely led to decreased genetic diversity, which can adversely affect the population's ability to adapt and thrive. Conservation efforts, including the strategic introduction of males, aim to mitigate these effects and bolster the gene pool for future resilience.