🤯 Did You Know (click to read)
Effective population size is often significantly smaller than total population size in endangered species.
Effective population size refers to the number of individuals contributing genes to the next generation. In small, managed populations, effective size often falls below census numbers due to unequal breeding representation. For the South China tiger, limited founder ancestry and structured pairings constrain effective population size. Smaller effective size accelerates genetic drift and inbreeding. This metric provides a more accurate picture of evolutionary potential than raw headcounts. Conservation strategies must therefore track both census and effective numbers.
💥 Impact (click to read)
When effective population size declines, genetic diversity erodes more rapidly. A population of 200 individuals may genetically function as far fewer breeders. This accelerates fixation of harmful alleles and reduces adaptive flexibility. Effective size directly influences long-term viability. It is a silent but powerful extinction driver.
Managing effective population size requires careful distribution of breeding opportunities. Overrepresentation of certain lineages can further narrow diversity. The South China tiger’s survival depends on maximizing genetic contribution across individuals. Effective size becomes a central conservation parameter. Evolutionary sustainability hinges on this hidden number.
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