Which of the following strategies would most rapidly increase the genetic diversity of a population in an extinction vortex?
A) Capture all remaining individuals in the population for captive breeding followed by reintroduction to the wild.
B) Establish a reserve that protects the population's habitat.
C) Introduce new individuals transported from other populations of the same species.
D) Sterilize the least fit individuals in the population.
E) Control populations of the endangered population's predators and competitors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Introducing new individuals from other populations of the same species would rapidly increase the genetic diversity of the population in an extinction vortex. This introduces new genetic material into the population, increasing its genetic diversity and potentially reducing the effects of inbreeding. Captive breeding and reintroduction may also increase genetic diversity over the long term, but it would take longer than introducing new individuals. Establishing a reserve, controlling predators and competitors, and sterilizing the least fit individuals would not significantly increase genetic diversity.

Which of the Following Strategies Would Most Rapidly Increase the Genetic