Question

Many thousands of years ago, more than one species of cheetah roamed the Earth. About 10,000 years ago, however, climate changes led to the extinction of all but one species -

Acinonyx jubatus. This rapid extinction led to extensive inbreeding within this species' population.Acinonyx jubatus is still alive today, but its population is rapidly decreasing. One factor that is linked to the cheetah's population decline is its lack of genetic diversity, which was caused by the extensive inbreeding 10,000 years ago. In fact, on average, two individual cheetahs will share over 99% of their genetic material.
The lack of genetic variation among individuals of the species Acinonyx jubatus is most likely linked to its sharp decline in population because this causes the species
True or False

Answer 1

The cheetah's reduced genetic diversity is a significant factor in its declining population, impacting its adaptability and survival. Human activities greatly contribute to accelerated species loss and can create imbalances in ecosystems, such as trophic cascades.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decline in population of Acinonyx jubatus, also known as the cheetah, can be attributed to a lack of genetic diversity due to extensive inbreeding from events around 10,000 years ago. This scenario is an example of how reduced genetic variation within a species can impact its ability to survive environmental changes and resist diseases. In broader ecological contexts, the disappearance of top predators like cheetahs can lead to trophic cascades, affecting the entire ecosystem as seen with the loss of carnivores, and the subsequent explosion of herbivore populations and vegetation decline.

Additionally, human activities have greatly accelerated the rate of species loss, matching those of mass extinctions seen in geological history. These activities include habitat destruction, introduction of exotic species, and over-harvesting. The effects of these actions not only threaten individual species but also entire ecosystems, demonstrating the interconnectedness and importance of biodiversity preservation.