Species extinction problem: genetic vs ecological factors

Abstract

Conservation biologists have been facing an intriguing question: whether it is genetic or ecological factors which govern the ecological systems. In this paper, we have constructed a few model systems describing real ecological situations and analysed them using a methodology designed for the purpose. Simulation experiments suggest that both these factors should be given equal weightage in working out strategies for any conservation effort. We conclude that the complex ecosystems are safe places for species belonging to the higher life forms, especially, generalist predators. On the contrary, simple (small) ecosystems cannot harbour these species for long. Another useful observation is that the vertebrate predators should be preferred to their invertebrate counterparts while aiming at conserving endangered prey species.