Genetic Diversity

Other felids have 10 to 100 times more genetic diversity than free ranging cheetahs. This has been documented by several techniques including protein analyses, DNA analyses, and reciprocal skin grafts. Some people argue that the reason that cheetahs have low genetic diversity in captivity is because litter production is low and cub mortality is high. Others argue that the high number of abnormal sperm is a factor.

• Which of these arguments seems to be the most valid?

In cheetahs found in Transvaal and Namibia, there was a complete lack of variability in 47 allozyme loci.

• What are allozymes?
• What does loci refer to?

In a comparison of 155 proteins, polymorphism was 3.2 percent, compared to 14.7 percent in other cats. Average heterozygosity in cheetahs was 0.013 while other cats are 0.036.

• What is the percent polymorphism and average heterozygosity in humans? What does this tell you about humans?
• Why do you think researchers use protein data to understand genetic diversity?

To learn more about skin grafts and other studies visit this page.