Question

In the mid-1980s, conservation biologists reluctantly recommended that zoos should not try to preserve captive populations of all the endangered species of large cats. For example, some biologists recommended ceasing efforts to breed the extremely rare Asian lion, the beautiful species seen in Chinese artwork. In place of the Asian lion, the biologists recommended increasing the captive populations of other endangered cats, such as the Siberian tiger and Amur leopard. By reducing the number of species kept in captivity, the biologists hoped to increase the captive population size of each species to several hundred, preferably at least 500. Why did the conservation biologists think that this was so important as to be worth the risk of losing the Asian lion forever?

a. Increased captive population enhances species diversity.
b. Large captive populations reduce the risk of extinction.
c. Focus on specific species improves conservation efforts.
d. Preserving multiple species increases genetic diversity.

Answer 1

Conservation biologists in the 1980s recommended focusing on fewer large cat species in captivity to increase their population size and reduce the risk of extinction, due to the limited resources and space in zoos. The correct option is d. Preserving multiple species increases genetic diversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the mid-1980s, conservation biologists recommended concentrating resources on increasing captive populations of certain endangered large cats such as the Siberian tiger and Amur leopard, instead of trying to preserve all endangered species like the Asian lion.

They thought this was crucial because large captive populations reduce the risk of extinction. With the resources and space of zoos being limited, maintaining a larger population size for a few species increases the chances of survival for those species and can lead to more successful breeding and conservation efforts.

Zoos and their captive breeding programs have played a significant role in conservation, but due to limitations in resources and space, as well as the challenges of reintroducing species to the wild, the focus has shifted to more targeted efforts.

This focus aims to create sustainable populations and benefit various species by improving their overall habitat rather than just at a species level. Many conservationists argue that this ecosystem-level focus is more efficient and beneficial in the long run. The correct option is d. Preserving multiple species increases genetic diversity.