Conservation biology

In conservation biology, genetic diversity is fundamental in understanding populations and their evolution. Conservationists analyze the individuals of a population and try to understand how such individuals may be affected by circumstances like loss of habitat, environmental changes, and exploitation, which are more often than not caused by human activities. In order to ensure the survival of many populations, researchers look at the genes and the characteristics inherited from one generation to another, carefully measuring the diversity of information and making important estimates that will potentially prevent a population from becoming extinct in the future. Without a doubt, the life of all the species on Earth depends on the peculiar sequence written in their DNA, which may me beneficial or detrimental, ultimately writing the story of a population. Genetic Diversity…

To put it another way, a student can major in conservation biology and become a ‘conservation biologist,’ but this term also includes other specializations and careers, such as conservation ecology, in which conservation is the main emphasis. In nearly all conservation biology research and restoration projects, the goal is to protect the environment while educating and assisting local people who are affected by poor environmental conditions and unsustainable living practices. Although I do not…

An insight into the methods of Conservation Genetics Understanding the need to use genetic methods in conservation biology will greatly aid in the process of bringing back any species that play an important role in their native habitat. Implementing genetic tools and methods in conservation programs helps to minimize the loss of genetic diversity, which allows populations to adapt to environmental changes and stressors. This helps to minimize the loss of the population numbers by reducing the…

In conservation biology, it is one of the main goals to determine MVP (minimum viable population) and reserve size. These estimates that are produced via simulation, are valuable in the sense as grizzly populations are often endangered or threatened, and their population has been declining for a number of years (Wielgus, 2001). Although the population is declining, it is still legal in North America to hunt these endangered species, as trophy hunting and is believed to be beneficial or…

Conservation Biology is a vital component of the wildlife and natural resources field of work. Increasingly it has shaped my professional interests and career choices over the last several years as its importance is made clear by mounting threats to biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Without the ideology and practices developed in the field of conservation biology many of the species we consider common today would have easily gone extinct in the early 20th century due to a lack of…

and resources to save themselves from the brink of extinction. They also helped to raise the awareness of animal conservation worldwide. Opposing this viewpoint, some see the pandas as furry black-and-white money pits, who were already on the brink of extinction, but somehow managed to divert the much-needed funds from the other animals who were less adorable but still equally deserving to be protected. But regardless of where…

typically needs a master’s degree for higher level investigation or scientific work. A Ph.D. is necessary for the majority of independent research positions and for university research positions. Most of the Ph.D. level researchers need to be familiar with programming and statistical software. Portland Community College offers a zoology/animal biology program for an associates degree; Treasure Valley Community College offers a Wildlife, Fish and Wetlands Science and Management program for an…

However, that same sense of wonder and awe can easily blind us to the realities of a situation. It is tragically easy to lose sight of what it would take and the resources required to turn de-extinction into a viable method of repopulation. De-extinction is an impractical approach to re-population and conservation, and therefore should not be pursued by science because it shifts resources away from currently endangered animals, and we cannot justify spending money on it. A grand feat of science…

I am currently a student at El Camino College and my short term goal is to obtain an Associate of Science in biology. Upon graduation, I plan to transfer to California State University, Dominguez Hills to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology by 2019. My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in biology that would accommodate me in pursuing a wildlife biologist career. Wildlife biologists have the responsibility of conducting projects, research studies, and complex data…

One of my personal heroes who displays naturalist intelligence is Steve Irwin (1962-2006). As a kid, I grew up watching Steve’s television series, “The Crocodile Hunter”, a wildlife documentary show which followed Steve as he went out into the wild in various countries around the world to interact with animals. His show went on to become the highest ever rated on the Animal Planet channel. Steve was a strong supporter of environmentalism and the conservation of endangered species. One of his…