Breeding Program to Enhance Genetic Diversity

A rare bird, thought to be extinct, is identified on two remote islands more than 200 kilometers apart in the South Pacific. Only about 100 individuals compose each island population. A captive breeding program is planned to increase the numbers and add individuals to wild populations. Which of the following breeding programs would add the greatest genetic diversity to the natural populations?

Collect two pairs of birds from each island and let them reproduce. Create a second generation by crossing these offspring with other offspring who had parents from a different island. Finally, reintroduce this second generation of babies to both island populations.

Collect four pairs of birds from one of the islands and try to get them to produce as many offspring as possible, reintroducing the babies to the parents' island population.

Collect four pairs of birds from one island and allow them to reproduce. Create crosses between sibling offspring to produce the greatest number of birds, reintroducing the babies to the original parents' island population.

Collect two pairs of birds from each island and try to get them to produce as many offspring as possible, reintroducing the babies to the parents' island population.

To determine which breeding program would add the greatest genetic diversity to the natural populations of the rare bird, we need to consider how genetic diversity is achieved through breeding practices.

1. Collect two pairs of birds from each island and let them reproduce. Create a second generation by crossing these offspring with other offspring who had parents from a different island. Finally, reintroduce this second generation of babies to both island populations.

   • This program involves mixing genetic material from both island populations, which would increase genetic diversity significantly. The second generation would have a mix of genes from both islands, enhancing the overall genetic variability.

2. Collect four pairs of birds from one of the islands and try to get them to produce as many offspring as possible, reintroducing the babies to the parents' island population.

   • This program focuses on one island only, which would not introduce any new genetic material from the other island. While it may increase the number of individuals, it does not enhance genetic diversity.

3. Collect four pairs of birds from one island and allow them to reproduce. Create crosses between sibling offspring to produce the greatest number of birds, reintroducing the babies to the original parents' island population.

   • Similar to the previous option, this program only involves one island and relies on inbreeding (crossing siblings), which can actually reduce genetic diversity and increase the risk of genetic disorders.

4. Collect two pairs of birds from each island and try to get them to produce as many offspring as possible, reintroducing the babies to the parents' island population.

   • While this program does involve both islands, it does not create a second generation that mixes genetic material from both populations. It would increase the number of individuals but not significantly enhance genetic diversity.

Based on this analysis, the first option is the best choice. It not only involves both island populations but also creates a second generation that mixes genetic material from both islands, thereby maximizing genetic diversity in the reintroduced populations.