Conservation genetics is the focus of this Grade 12 Biology 30 resource for exploring how genetic diversity, inbreeding, gene flow, and habitat connectivity influence threatened populations and conservation planning. Designed for the Alberta framework, it gives students opportunities to apply conservation genetics concepts to realistic biological decision-making.

What Students Explore

Students examine how molecular markers can be used to estimate genetic diversity and relatedness in threatened populations. They also consider the relationship between effective population size (Ne), inbreeding, and extinction risk in fragmented habitats.

The resource develops students' ability to analyze how gene flow and habitat connectivity influence genetic structure. Students then apply these ideas to conservation planning, including decisions about habitat corridors and recovery planning.

Question and Activity Mix

The worksheet combines multiple-choice questions, true-or-false questions, short-answer responses, a reading passage, matching, a cloze passage, an essay, and a "Did You Know?" component. This varied structure gives students different ways to demonstrate their understanding of conservation genetics concepts and apply terminology in context.

Included Resources

• Worksheet focused on conservation genetics, diversity, inbreeding, and connectivity
• Answer key provided as a separate PDF
• Student Notes & Lesson Summary supplement for supporting review and lesson learning
• Teacher Guide as a separate PDF with Learning Objectives, Teaching Tips, Discussion Questions, and Common Mistakes

Classroom Use

Use this conservation biology worksheet as guided practice during a Biology 30 lesson, independent student work, review, or a structured opportunity to apply genetics concepts to conservation decisions. The included notes supplement and teacher guidance can support lesson preparation, classroom discussion, and follow-up review.

For teachers covering genetic diversity in conservation, this resource connects population genetics concepts to threatened populations, fragmented habitats, gene flow, and conservation planning. Students are asked not only to recognize concepts but also to use them when considering practical conservation actions.