Part 1

This discussion is set up as a group discussion so that you can share information with your colleagues and benefit from the information they share with you. After considering all pieces of information from the discussion post, you will determine if the building of a wildlife crossing could increase the genetic viability of the Santa Monica Mountain (SMM) mountain lion population.

In order to answer that question, we are going to look at some data!

Post Requirements

This assignment requires one post.

Each person assigned to your group discussion board will be responsible for analyzing one table of data from below and answering the associated questions. There should be no repeats, so I recommend “calling” a data table by posting to the discussion board something like “I will take Table 3.” before you begin your work. 

Grading

To see how this assignment will be graded, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of this page, then click “Show Rubric”. If you’re reviewing this assignment using the Canvas mobile app, the rubric is included in the Grade tab.

While I am not specifically grading you on your spelling or grammar, scientific communication is an important skill. Please proofread and spellcheck before posting/submitting to ensure that your ideas come across clearly. Up to 10% may be deducted for excessive grammar and spelling errors that affect the readability of your work.

Group mate 1 – Table 1

1. What is predicted to happen to genetic diversity in the SMM population if there is no migration? How does this compare to the genetic diversity in a population where there is one new migrant per generation?
2. Does lack of gene flow affect the genetic diversity of the SMM population? Explain using the data in Table 1.

 Prt 2

A Wildlife Crossing for Mountain Lions?

You will now decide if building a wildlife crossing would benefit the SMM mountain lion population.

Post Requirements

This assignment requires one post, completed individually. Write a short 4-5 sentence answer to the following question:

Should the Mountain Lion Task Force support the building of the wildlife crossing as a solution to increase the genetic viability of the SMM mountain lion population? Provide justification for your answer using data from a minimum of 2 tables that your group analyzed from Let’s Analyze the Data. 

Group mate 2 – Table 2

Group mate 3 – Table 3

Group mate 4 – Table 4