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Cloning is a technique that could be used to increase numbers in an endangered species - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 22 - 2001 - Paper 1
Question 22
Cloning is a technique that could be used to increase numbers in an endangered species. What effect would cloning have on the genetic diversity of the species? Expl... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cloning is a technique that could be used to increase numbers in an endangered species - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 22 - 2001 - Paper 1
Step 1
Cloning is a technique that could be used to increase numbers in an endangered species. What effect would cloning have on the genetic diversity of the species?
Answer
Cloning primarily results in a reduction of genetic diversity within a species. This is because cloning produces genetically identical individuals, which diminishes the variation that is essential for adaptation and survival in changing environments. Genetic diversity is critical for resilience against diseases and environmental changes; therefore, a cloned population might be more susceptible to extinction due to its uniform genetic makeup.
Step 2
Explain TWO possible evolutionary effects of a disease entering an endangered population containing some cloned individuals.
Answer
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Increased Vulnerability to Disease: When a disease enters a population that includes cloned individuals, the lack of genetic diversity means that if one individual is affected, others may be equally susceptible to the same disease. This homogeneity can lead to rapid declines in population numbers as the disease spreads unchecked.
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Potential for Adaptation: Conversely, if the disease affects some cloned individuals while leaving others unaffected, this could create a selection pressure that favors any existing genetic variations. If a few cloned individuals have mutations that confer resistance to the disease, these individuals might survive and reproduce, potentially introducing new genetic variation into the population over time. However, this scenario is less likely in a largely homogenous population.