Question

1.15 DNA sequence data from a small population of elk indicate that the effective population size (Ne) is 115.2. In this population, a very accurate aerial survey has counted 144 adult males and 144 adult females (therefore Na = 288) and these numbers have remained approximately the same for at least 30 years (assume elk lifespan of 10-15 years). If we assume that all adult females successfully reproduce each year, what would be your estimate of the number of adult males successfully reproducing each year? A. 144 B. 72 C. 48 D. 36

The answer is supposed to be D. I just don't understand how I am supposed to solve it.

Answer 1

• Effective population size can be calculated by the equation, Ne= 4 NimxNf O Nm+Nf. Ne-effective population size Nm = number of breeding males Nf = Number of breeding females Here, Ne=115.2, Nf= 144. - Ne=4Nm x Neuren 4x Nm x 144 NotNET Nm+ 144 (Nmt 144)x115.2 = 4x Nm x 144 115-2 Nm+ (144x115-2)= 4X144&Nm 115-2 Nm + 16588.8 = 576 Nm 16588.8= 576 Nm-115. 2Nm 16588*8 = 460.8 Nm. 115.2 = -. Nima 16588.8 460.8 Nw= 36 - number of breeding males - 36.