Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Genetics

These flashcards encompass significant terms and concepts from the lecture on Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Genetics, aiding in the review and retention of key information.

Behavioral Ecology

The study of the evolutionary and ecological basis for animal behavior.

Molecular Ecology

A field that examines the genetic and genomic aspects of ecology, including how genetic diversity affects ecological processes.

Optimality Theory

A framework positing that behaviors maximize survival and reproductive success by weighing costs against benefits.

Costs of Sexual Reproduction

Resources expended in the production and maintenance of gonads, mating risks, and traits for courtship.

Benefits of Sexual Reproduction

Genetically diverse offspring that improve adaptation and survival in varied environments.

Red Queen Hypothesis

The idea that organisms must continuously adapt to maintain fitness amidst evolving predators and parasites.

Sperm Competition

A mechanism in mate choice where multiple males mate to ensure the best sperm fertilizes eggs.

Good Genes Hypothesis

The theory that mate selection is based on choosing individuals with superior survival traits.

Kin Selection

A form of natural selection where individuals increase their own fitness by helping relatives.

Inclusive Fitness

The sum of an individual's direct reproductive success and the effects they have on the reproduction of relatives.

Hamilton's Rule

A principle stating that a behavior is favored by natural selection if rB > C, where r is relatedness, B is benefit, and C is cost.

Monogamous Mating System

A mating system where one male pairs with one female, e.g., in penguins.

Polyandrous Mating System

A system where one female mates with multiple males while males mate with only one female.

Polygynous Mating System

A mating system where one male mates with multiple females.

Polygynandrous Mating System

A mating system involving multiple males and females where social bonds exist.

Promiscuous Mating System

A system characterized by random mating without social bonds and little parental care.

Extra-Pair Paternity

Sperm donation outside of a primary mating partnership, observed in species like Great Tits.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code.

Mass Extinction

A widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, typically occurring in geological time.

IUCN Red List

A comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

Genetic Diversity

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

Genetic Drift

Random fluctuation in allele frequencies within a population, particularly impacting small populations.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Inbreeding Depression

Reduced biological fitness due to mating of closely related individuals.

Outbreeding Depression

A decrease in fitness resulting from crossing different populations that have locally adapted traits.

Heterozygosity

The presence of different alleles at one or more loci on chromosomes.

Management Unit (MU)

A genetically distinct population that exchanges few migrants with other populations.

Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU)

A population that is reproductively isolated from others and has a distinct evolutionary trajectory.

Genetic Rescue

The introduction of new individuals to a population to enhance genetic diversity and fitness.

Translocations

The deliberate movement of individuals from one location to another to promote gene flow.

Captive Breeding Programs

Breeding of endangered species in captivity to increase their populations and genetic diversity.

Genetic Diversity Banks

Facilities that preserve genetic material such as seeds or DNA for future use.

DNA Barcoding

An identification method using a short genetic sequence from a standard part of the genome.

Parentage Analysis

The determination of the parent-offspring relationship in a population.

Wildlife Forensics

The application of forensic methods to solve crimes involving wildlife.

Florida Panther Conservation

Introducing Texas panthers to enhance genetic diversity in inbred Florida panthers.

Eurasian Wolf Conservation

Detecting and integrating immigrant wolves to improve genetic diversity.

Oriental White Stork Conservation

Using museum specimens to restore genetic diversity of the extinct Japanese stock.

Genetic Health Measurement

Assessing a population based on heterozygosity and fitness outcomes.

Cryptic Female Choice

The post-copulation control by females over which sperm fertilizes their eggs.

Sexual Dimorphism

Differentiation in physical characteristics between males and females of a species.

Kinship and Mating Systems

The study of relatedness in populations and its implications on reproductive strategies.

Environmental Change Adaptation

The ability of a species to adjust to alterations in environmental conditions.

Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Integration

The combining of ecological and genetic approaches to better understand animal behavior.

Quantifying Genetic Variation

Assessing genetic diversity within and among populations using various metrics.

Impacts of Human Activities

Human-induced changes that threaten biodiversity and contribute to extinction rates.

Genetic Architecture Assessment

Evaluation of genetic variation's structure to inform conservation practices.