Lab 4 Population Genetics, Species Concepts, and Conservation Biology

Lab Objectives

• Assess species concepts applied to Aurora Trout.
• Describe bottleneck effect from habitat data.
• Calculate effective population size and its impact on extinction risk.
• Analyze extinction vortex and relate it to Aurora Trout.
• Create a restoration strategy for long-term survival.

General Background

• Aurora trout were first found in 1923, endemic to Whirligig Lake and Whitepine Lake.
• Declined since the 1940s; extirpated by 1967 due to lake acidification from industrial pollution.
• A captive breeding program emerged in the late 1950s to prevent extinction.
• Declared endangered by COSEWIC in 1987; concerns about their taxonomic status persist.

Taxonomic Status

• Aurora trout (Salvelinus timagamiensis) shares similarities with Brook Trout but has distinct differences (coloration, skeletal features).
• Species concepts:
  • Biological species concept: Focus on reproductive isolation.
  • Morphological species concept: Based on structural features.
  • Ecological species concept: Interaction with environment.
  • Phylogenetic species concept: Based on common ancestors.

COSEWIC Assessment Criteria

Quantitative Criteria:

• Declining abundance
• Limited distribution
• Small population size

Qualitative Criteria:

• Threats to population
• Life history traits

Exercises Summary

1. Species Debate: Evaluate species concepts for Aurora Trout vs. Brook Trout.
2. Endangered Status: Discuss how Aurora Trout meets COSEWIC criteria.
3. Population Size: Calculate effective population size using given formula.
4. Extinction Viability: Discuss long-term viability related to extinction vortex.
5. Management Strategy: Propose wildlife management practices to enhance genetic diversity.
6. Concept Mapping: Visualize connections among concepts (e.g., Bottleneck effect, Genetic Drift).

Concept Map Guidelines

• List and elaborate key concepts related to Aurora Trout conservation.
• Identify links between various ecological and biological concepts.
• Concept mapping aids in understanding interconnections in population genetics and conservation principles.