Many Zoos Participate in Species Survival Plans in Which Members

Multiple Choice

Many zoos participate in species survival plans in which members of a particular endangered species are transferred from zoo to zoo to mate with other members of that species. Why is this mating technique important for the continuation of the species?

A) Oftentimes zoos will only have one sex of the endangered animal, so to mate those individuals, they must be moved to another zoo with members of the opposite sex.
B) This reduces the genetic diversity of the population as a whole and increases the likelihood that the species will survive and thrive in the wild.
C) This technique allows captive animals to experience different environments, since they are unlikely to ever be released back into the wild.
D) This technique increases the genetic diversity of the next generation of the species, which makes them more suited to weather any disturbances in their natural habitats upon release.
E) There are only a few zoos that are certified to house and rear young, so mating and birth must take place at these facilities.