Heterozygosity within White and Black Rhino Populous
A comparison of observed heterozygosity of the black rhino and white rhino
This study was undertaken in order to understand the heterozygosity trends of the white and black
rhinos. Genotypes of five microsatellite loci were collected and assessed with the intention of producing
data for a sixth locus from the black and white rhino autoradiograph. This method was a means of
analyzing the heterozygosity of the two species of rhino. It was established that black rhinos possess
significantly more heterozygosity traits (p= 1.2e-16) in comparison to white rhinos. Numerous
contributing factors may have affected the heterozygosity between the species. Being an endangered
species, both the white and black rhino are subject to varying methods of breeding and conservation
management where translocations, fragmentations and pouching restrictions have an effect. A general
comparison between the two species can be drawn by an analysis of the severity of bottlenecks, genetic
drifts and founder effects experienced by both the black and white rhino. Within the population,
reproductive mannerisms and social hierarchies involving polygyny and sexual selection can restrict
potential sources of genetic variability.
Introduction
The conservation and biodiversity of a species reflects the well being and fitness of a habitat. The
long-term survival of the inhabiting species is comparative and linked to the environment 's overall health.
Population sizes of the black and white rhinoceroses have steadily declined and are in need of additional
assistance in the conservation areas. Familiarity with the genetic diversity and heterozygosity of a species
can help optimize management in conservation areas by minimizing inbreeding, maximizing the
preservation of genetic diversity and ultimately lessening the risk of extinction.
The black rhino Diceros bicornis is native to central and eastern Africa and are
This study was undertaken in order to understand the heterozygosity trends of the white and black
rhinos. Genotypes of five microsatellite loci were collected and assessed with the intention of producing
data for a sixth locus from the black and white rhino autoradiograph. This method was a means of
analyzing the heterozygosity of the two species of rhino. It was established that black rhinos possess
significantly more heterozygosity traits (p= 1.2e-16) in comparison to white rhinos. Numerous
contributing factors may have affected the heterozygosity between the species. Being an endangered
species, both the white and black rhino are subject to varying methods of breeding and conservation
management where translocations, fragmentations and pouching restrictions have an effect. A general
comparison between the two species can be drawn by an analysis of the severity of bottlenecks, genetic
drifts and founder effects experienced by both the black and white rhino. Within the population,
reproductive mannerisms and social hierarchies involving polygyny and sexual selection can restrict
potential sources of genetic variability.
Introduction
The conservation and biodiversity of a species reflects the well being and fitness of a habitat. The
long-term survival of the inhabiting species is comparative and linked to the environment 's overall health.
Population sizes of the black and white rhinoceroses have steadily declined and are in need of additional
assistance in the conservation areas. Familiarity with the genetic diversity and heterozygosity of a species
can help optimize management in conservation areas by minimizing inbreeding, maximizing the
preservation of genetic diversity and ultimately lessening the risk of extinction.
The black rhino Diceros bicornis is native to central and eastern Africa and are
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