The saving and preserving of
endangered species has always been a concern for scientists for many years,
especially with the efforts to save the giant panda. According to BMC Evolutionary Biology, recent studies
show that there is a high genetic diversity in the immune system with the giant
pandas. This suggests that the pandas can be better adapted to their
environments and able to survive longer before becoming extinct.
With only
1500 giant pandas remaining, the giant panda has made the endangered species
list. While analyzing the genes, which evolve and adapt to the environmental
surroundings of the giant panda, scientists can better identify how the species
can adapt to its surroundings. This can help conserve the species and help
bring the off of the endangered list.
Usually the
decrease in genetic variation within a species is what causes it to become
extinct. However, with the giant panda this is not the case. The increase in
genetic variation is suggesting that perhaps the species is headed in the other
direction. They are becoming better adapted to the pressures in the environment
and are better equipped to survive.
I don't think genetic variation is to blame for the sudden species turnaround. Pandas were over hunted to the point of no return and humans had to step in and protect the species from other humans. It is very interesting though how their immune systems have becoming stronger and I wonder if that is attributed to being captive or non captive. Also I wonder if following the evolution of the panda genetics and their immune systems could have links to our own immune system in a way to help us not only learn about them but humans as well.
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