Question
Discuss how DNA profiling can be used to help scientists study the mating and breeding of the blue duck.
Answer
To avoid inbreeding, scientists would ensure mating between genetically unrelated individuals – increasing gene pool, reduces change of expression of deleterious/lethal genes. By identifying DNA profiles, most successful adult breeders can be identified (their offspring will carry successful breeders’ DNA markers) – scientists would preferentially use these birds to build species numbers.