Thursday, November 26, 2020

The Decrease in the Genetic Diversity of Lions is Affecting Their DNA Adversely

  


    In the article posted by Texas A&M Today, a study was explained; in which it was stated that the DNA in lions from India to South Africa has been changing overtime. The changes in their DNA has been found to be caused by their environment being confined by the growing cities. The impeding of cities has caused the lion population to decrease, as their land has been restricted. The population and land decrease was compared to the bottle neck effect that cheetahs have experienced; which lead to inbreeding within the population. Thus, decreasing genetic diversity which effects their immunity and reproductive abilities. Luckily, it was stated that the lions current state can be reversed. I believe this article did a really great job at addressing the current issue that the lion population from India to South Africa are experiencing, predicting the possible fate of the population if no action is taken, and bringing awareness to the efforts that need to be take to prevent the worst outcome from occurring. I agree with the information provided within this article because it was supported with sufficient data and was connected to what has been previously found among other species, like cheetahs. In my opinion, the preservation of wild life should be put before the expansion of cities. Urbanization has been found to not only harm wildlife, but also create environmental decay, so there really is no good being done by intruding on animals land. I found it very enlightening to hear that the damage done to the lion population is reversible. I hope the proper steps are taken to resolve this issue and keep it from repeating among other species.

2 comments:

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  2. The thought of lions losing genetic diversity has never crossed my mind before. I wonder how long these lions have carried their specific genetic sequence through generations before the inbreeding began. Fortunately, it is enlightening to hear that the damage done to the population is reversible, and I also hope proper steps are taken to diversify the species.

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