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Practical skills assessed in a written examination

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Question 4

The Stephens Island wren (Traversia lyalli) became extinct in the late 19th century. Some conservation biologists suggest that low genetic diversity contributed to its rapid extinction. The table below shows the genetic diversity (measured as the expected heterozygosity, HexpH_{\text{exp}}Hexp​) of several endemic New Zealand bird species, along with their current conservation status. | Species | Genetic diversity (HexpH_{\text{exp}}Hexp​) | Conservation status | | :--- | :---: | :--- | | Bellbird | 0.0055 | Least concern | | Kakariki | 0.0041 | Least concern | | Saddleback | 0.0024 | Vulnerable | | Whitehead | 0.0018 | Least concern | | Stitchbird | 0.0012 | Endangered | | Kakapo | 0.0002 | Critically endangered | | Stephens Island wren | 0.0000 | Extinct |

a.

Describe the evidence in the table that supports the conclusion that low genetic diversity contributed to the extinction of the Stephens Island wren.

[2]
b.

Identify one piece of evidence from the table that does not support the conclusion that low genetic diversity is directly correlated with a higher risk of extinction.

[1]

Practical skills assessed in a written examination Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Biology
  3. /Practical skills assessed in a written examination