mod 5 manus Flashcards
(15 cards)
Explain how reproductive strategies in Australian native plants and animals are adapted to environmental conditions
Australian native plants often use fire-triggered seed release (serotiny) and drought resistance mechanisms. Native animals like kangaroos can pause embryonic development (embryonic diapause) during harsh conditions. These adaptations help species survive in Australia’s variable climate with unpredictable rainfall and frequent fires.
Describe the reproductive adaptations of Australian marsupials and their evolutionary significance
Marsupials like kangaroos and koalas have short gestation periods followed by extended pouch development. This adaptation reduces maternal energy investment during pregnancy and allows for abandonment of young in pouch during threats. It represents a different evolutionary path from placental mammals, suited to Australia’s resource-limited environments.
Compare the reproductive strategies of eucalypts with those of introduced crop species in Australia
Eucalypts have evolved reproductive strategies adapted to Australian conditions including fire-triggered flowering, drought-resistant seeds, and mass flowering events. Introduced crop species often require more consistent water and lack adaptations to fire, necessitating irrigation and protection, which impacts agricultural sustainability in Australia.
Evaluate the effectiveness of artificial reproductive technologies in conservation of endangered Australian species
Technologies like artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation have helped conserve species like the Northern hairy-nosed wombat and corroboree frog. These methods increase genetic diversity in small populations and preserve genetic material, though they face challenges including high cost, technical difficulties, and the need to address habitat loss simultaneously.
Discuss the ethical implications of using genetic technologies in Australian agriculture
Genetic technologies in Australian agriculture raise concerns about biodiversity impacts, potential gene flow to native species, consumer choice, and cultural considerations for Indigenous communities. Benefits include drought-resistant crops and reduced pesticide use. Australia’s regulatory framework attempts to balance innovation with precautionary principles.
Analyze the impact of climate change on reproductive cycles of Australian native species
Climate change is disrupting reproductive timing in species like the bogong moth, mountain pygmy possum, and various frog species. Earlier springs affect flowering times and insect emergence, creating mismatches between interdependent species. These changes threaten species survival and highlight the importance of climate action and conservation corridors.
Explain how karyotype analysis is used to diagnose chromosomal disorders in Australian healthcare
Karyotype analysis examines chromosome number and structure by arranging photographed chromosomes by size and centromere position. In Australian healthcare, it’s used to diagnose conditions like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Turner syndrome (45,X), and Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), enabling appropriate early interventions and support services.
Describe how pedigree analysis is applied in Australian genetic counseling services
Australian genetic counseling services use pedigree analysis to track inheritance patterns through families, identifying carriers of genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease. This helps determine inheritance patterns (dominant, recessive, X-linked), calculate risk for future children, and inform reproductive decisions, supported by Medicare-funded testing for eligible individuals.
Evaluate the role of DNA testing in Australian forensic investigations and legal proceedings
DNA testing in Australian forensics uses techniques like STR analysis and mitochondrial DNA testing to link suspects to crime scenes, identify victims, and exonerate the innocent. The National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD) facilitates cross-jurisdictional matching. Legal considerations include chain of custody, statistical interpretation, and privacy concerns regarding retained samples.
Discuss the significance of the Human Genome Project for personalized medicine in Australia
The Human Genome Project has enabled personalized medicine approaches in Australia, including pharmacogenomics (tailoring medications based on genetic profiles), targeted cancer therapies, and predictive testing for disease risk. Australian initiatives like the Medical Genome Reference Bank support research while raising questions about equity of access and insurance discrimination.
Analyze how natural selection has shaped the evolution of Australian native species
Natural selection has produced unique adaptations in Australian species: drought tolerance in eucalypts, heat management in kangaroos (including specialized blood vessels in tails), toxin resistance in possums eating eucalyptus leaves, and aestivation in frogs. These adaptations demonstrate how environmental pressures select traits that enhance survival in Australia’s challenging conditions.
Explain how population genetics principles are applied in conservation of threatened Australian species
Conservation programs for threatened species like Tasmanian devils and orange-bellied parrots apply population genetics principles by: monitoring genetic diversity, managing breeding to minimize inbreeding depression, creating insurance populations, and using genetic rescue techniques. These approaches help maintain adaptive potential and resilience in the face of threats like disease and habitat fragmentation.
Describe how genetic technologies are used in Australian agriculture to address environmental challenges
Australian agriculture uses genetic technologies to address environmental challenges through: marker-assisted selection for drought-tolerant wheat varieties, development of salt-tolerant crops for salinized farmland, disease-resistant varieties reducing pesticide use, and improved feed conversion efficiency in livestock to reduce methane emissions and land use impacts.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different reproductive strategies in Australian plants responding to fire
Australian plants show diverse fire adaptations: serotiny (banksia cones releasing seeds after fire), lignotubers (eucalypts resprouting from underground storage organs), fire-stimulated flowering (grass trees), and smoke-triggered germination. These strategies represent different evolutionary solutions to fire, with effectiveness depending on fire frequency, intensity, and changing climate conditions.
Discuss the role of genetic screening programs in Australian public health initiatives
Australian genetic screening programs include newborn screening (testing for conditions like PKU and cystic fibrosis), carrier screening (for conditions like thalassemia in high-risk communities), and prenatal screening. These programs enable early intervention, informed reproductive choices, and targeted prevention strategies, while raising ethical questions about mandatory testing and management of findings.
