Inquiries into Conservation Genetics

The content of this Web Site was created as course work by students studying conservation genetics in Biology 4FF3 - Biology Inquiry, at McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, between 1997 and 1999. Biology Inquiry - Conservation Genetics is a fourth-year undergraduate course taught as self-study, problem-based learning. This site is presented for information and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed in the essays and other pages on this site are those of the authors.

Conservation and Genetics Issues

Genetics of Small Populations

Introduction to Small Populations and Genetics Current Situation Importance of Genetic Variability Effective Population Size

Loss of Genetic Variation Small Population Studies Glossary of Terms

Conservation Genetics and the Major Histocompatability Complex

• Introduction (Uses FRAMES)

The Major Histocompatability Complex and Host-Parasite Evolution

Major Histocompatibility Complex and the Affects of Host-Parasite Coevolution Introduction to Course and Web Site Theories on Co-Evolution of Parasites and Host MHC MHC Gene Structure Image Structure of MHC Genes Structural Makeup of the MHC Proteins

Structure of the Major Histocompatibility Complex The Immunological Purpose of MHC Structural Aspects of the MHC Genes and Proteins Glossary of Terms: MHC Entries References on MHC and Parasite Coevolution

MHC Polymorphism and Conservation Genetics

Introduction Captive Breeding The MHC Controversy

Should MHC be the Prime Consideration? Importance of MHC Polymorphism Conclusions

Polymorphism and Population Survival

Importance of MHC Variation for Survival of Wild Populations Beaver Population with Low MHC Variability

Bovine Mitochondrial DNA in Bison Glossary

Habitat Fragmentation

Index Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Corridors Effects of Habitat Fragmentation

Conservation Uses of Wildlife Corridors Glossary

Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Corridors

Habitat Fragmentation Home Page Humans are not an animal's best friend Gene flow One-migration-per-generation (OMPG) rule Migration and OMPG

Theory of OMPG Other Considerations in Migration and Drift Emprical evidence for wildlife corridors Conclusions

Wildlife Forensics

• Wildlife Forensics

High-Technology Approaches to Conservation

• Biotechnology and Conservation of Endangered Species

Conceptual Issues in Conservation Genetics

• 1/2Ne and the Dilemma of the Ark

Conservation Case Histories

Conservation Genetics of Cheetahs

Main Page for Cheetahs Prognosis for Cheetah Survival Assymetry and Morphological Variation in Cheetahs Decreased Fertility in Cheetahs

Consequences of Inbreeding in the Cheetah Inbreeding in the Cheetah Disease Suseptability Glossary of Terms: Cheetah Entries

Conservation Problems of Tigers

Main Page for Tigers Tiger Homes Tigers Hunting Reproduction Tiger Troubles

Habitat Loss Captive Breeding Summary Glossary of Terms: Tiger Entries References on Tigers

Conservation Genetics Problems of Bison

• Bovine Mitochondrial DNA in Bison

Genetic Variability of Beavers

• Beaver Population with Low MHC Variability

Wolves, Coyotes and Hybridization

• Introgression of Coyote Mitochonrial DNA into Sympatric North American Gray Wolf Populations: The Result of Human "Progress"

Conservation of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

Web Site Introduction General Characteristics

Habitat and Reproduction Genetic Analysis

Genetics of Cougars in California

• Cougars and Wildlife Corridors

Conservation Genetics of Belugas

• Conservation and Population Genetics of the Beluga Whales

Conservation And Values

• Valuation of Biodiversity

Declining Populations

• The Decline of Amphibian Populations and its Relationship to Habitat Fragmentation

Conservation, Biodiversity and Natural Resources

• Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources: Consequences for Wild Populations
  

• Fish Conservation: A General Look at Stocking Efforts and Accidental Releases
  
• The Impact of Forestry Practices on the Genetic Diversity of Boreal Forest Tree Species

Genetics Methods

• Polymerase Chain Reaction
  

• DNA Fingerprinting
  
• Phyogenetics

The Authors: Winter Term, 1999

The Authors: Fall Term, 1997

(Some files will be available shortly)

The Authors: Winter Term, 1997

Editing and Site Integration by 4FF3 Lecturer  Dr David A. Galbraith

All copyrights rest with the original authors.

Latest site revision: 20 April, 1999