WHY IS THE CHEETAH GENE POOL SMALL TODAY?
1. MULTIPLE BOTTLENECK EVENTS.
2. INBREEDIFNG IN ZOOS.
3. POOR ADAPTABILITY.
4. LACK OF ADVANTAGEOUS TRAITS.
The primary reason for the small cheetah gene pool today is multiple bottleneck events. In the past, cheetah populations went through severe reductions in numbers, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. This occurred due to natural disasters, habitat loss, hunting, and human interference. With each bottleneck event, only a fraction of the original gene pool remains, leading to a smaller overall genetic diversity in cheetah populations.
Inbreeding in zoos is also a contributing factor. In order to maintain captive populations, zoos often breed cheetahs with a limited number of individuals. This can lead to inbreeding, which further reduces genetic diversity and can increase the risk of genetic disorders and reduced reproductive fitness.
Poor adaptability is not necessarily a reason for the small cheetah gene pool. Cheetahs are highly specialized predators and have evolved specific adaptations for speed and hunting. However, the loss of genetic diversity can make it challenging for cheetahs to adapt to changes in their environment and cope with new challenges.
Similarly, the lack of advantageous traits is not the main reason for the small gene pool. It is more accurate to say that cheetah populations have lost some of the advantageous traits they once possessed due to the reduction in genetic diversity. This can make cheetahs more vulnerable to diseases, environmental changes, and other factors that would otherwise be manageable with a larger and more diverse gene pool.