You want to determine how a small population of a species may survive in the future as development around their habitat increases.You have data on the survivorship and reproductive rates of this age-structured population.Ideally,you will use the results of your research to inform land managers of predicted population sizes year by year and the probability of extinction during those years.What method would you use to do this work?
A) A minimum viable population analysis
B) Estimate the proportion of heterozygous individuals and determine the effective population size
C) Use a model such as a population viability analysis
D) Use a Lotka-Volterra model

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A population viability analysis (PVA) is the best method to predict the future population sizes and probability of extinction of the species. PVA takes into account the survivorship and reproductive rates of species, as well as environmental factors that may affect their survival. PVA incorporates demographic, environmental, and stochastic factors to generate a probability of extinction or persistence for a given population over time. The results of PVA can inform land managers about the impact of development on the species and help guide conservation efforts. A minimum viable population analysis is useful for determining the minimum population size needed for a species to avoid extinction, but it does not provide information on the future population sizes and probability of extinction. Estimating the proportion of heterozygous individuals and determining the effective population size is useful for understanding genetic diversity and potential inbreeding effects, but it does not provide information on the future population sizes and probability of extinction. Using a Lotka-Volterra model is useful for understanding predator-prey dynamics, but it does not provide information on the future population sizes and probability of extinction.

You Want to Determine How a Small Population of a Species