Sample interview questions: How would you approach studying the potential impacts of habitat fragmentation on wildlife populations?
Sample answer:
1. Define Research Objectives and Identify Target Species:
- Determine the specific populations, habitats, and fragmentation patterns of interest.
- Conduct literature reviews and consult with local experts to identify vulnerable species and key habitats.
2. Establish Baseline Data:
- Collect pre-fragmentation data on population size, demographics, and distribution within the study area.
- Use remote sensing, field surveys, and modeling to characterize habitat structure and connectivity.
3. Design and Implement Fragmentation Scenarios:
- Simulate potential fragmentation patterns using habitat modeling or experimental manipulations.
- Consider realistic scenarios such as road construction, land use changes, or climate-driven disruptions.
4. Monitor Population Responses:
- Use a combination of field surveys, population modeling, and genetic analysis to track changes in population size, distribution, and genetic diversity.
- Monitor dispersal patterns, survival rates, and reproductive success to assess the effects of fragmentation.
5. Quantify Habitat Connectivity:
- Use landscape ecology methods to evaluate habitat connectivity pre- and post-fragmentation.
- Determine the extent to which fragmentation alters animal movement and gene flow.
6. Assess Species-Specific Vu… Read full answer