Imagine you’re a scientist preparing to reintroduce two lions into the wild. But before setting them free, there’s one crucial question: Do these lions belong to this habitat? In our upcoming NSTA workshop in Philadelphia, Lion Family Reunion: Conservation Biology Genetics, you will run ready-to-load DNA samples from this experiment and learn real-world genetic techniques to explore how DNA analysis helps conservationists make informed decisions about wildlife reintroduction.
How Do Scientists Use DNA to Save Species?
While wildlife conservation focuses on protecting animals, it also focuses on understanding the genetic relationships between animals. When captive-bred animals are returned to the wild, scientists must ensure they are reintroduced to the right population to maintain genetic diversity and prevent disruption of local ecosystems.
In this workshop, you will analyze the DNA of two lions to determine if they are genetically related to a specific wild population. Using RFLP analysis, we will cut the lions’ DNA with restriction enzymes and separate the fragments using gel electrophoresis. By comparing the resulting band patterns to known lion populations, we can trace their genetic ancestry.
One of the most important genetic markers conservationists study is the haplotype, which is a set of inherited DNA variations that are known to be passed down generations. Haplotypes help scientists identify lineages and track how populations have changed over time. In this experiment, you’ll examine whether these lions share haplotypes with the wild populations they’re being reintroduced to. If their haplotypes match closely, it’s an indicator that they belong to that population. If not, they may need to be relocated elsewhere to ensure genetic compatibility.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding genetic relationships is critical for conservation efforts. Reintroducing genetically mismatched animals can lead to problems like inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, or even competition with existing populations. By applying molecular biology techniques, conservationists can make informed decisions that reduce any harm to the reintroduced lions and the animals they may come in contact with.
This workshop is a perfect opportunity for educators to explore the real-world applications of genetics in conservation biology and to introduce these ideas to students. Please consider visiting Edvotek at the upcoming NSTA conference from March 26-29, 2025, in Philadelphia!
If you are unfortunately unable to attend this conference, please consider looking into this experiment for your classroom and other environmental experiments that use ready-to-load DNA samples!
Safari Family Reunion Kit | EDVOTEK
Genetic Flightplan: Navigating Galapagos Finch Diversity | Electrophoresis Kit | EDVOTEK
The Official Blog of Edvotek® 
3 comments
Comments are closed.