The smallest population size with a high chance of long-term persistence.
Often cited rules of thumb: 50 for short-term inbreeding avoidance and 500 for long-term evolutionary potential (50/500 rule), later revised upward to 100/1000. Depends on species.
MVP depends on goals and risks. Genetic needs (Ne) are lower than census size. Revised estimates are thousands for long-term persistence.
Remember: effective population size is usually smaller than census size.
The smallest population size with a high chance of long-term persistence.
Minimum Viable Population is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Genetic Diversity, Conservation Biology, Genetic Rescue.
Grizzly bears in Yellowstone have been modelled with this idea.
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Minimum Viable Population. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Minimum Viable Population are Genetic Diversity, Conservation Biology, Genetic Rescue, Ex-situ Conservation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Minimum Viable Population. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
Minimum Viable Population: The smallest population size with a high chance of long-term persistence. Genetic Diversity: Variation of alleles within a species that enables adaptation and resilience. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Genetic Diversity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Variation of alleles within a species that enables adaptation and resilience.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityThe scientific study and protection of biodiversity.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityIntroducing individuals from other populations to reverse inbreeding depression, as with Florida panthers.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityProtecting species outside natural habitat in zoos, seed banks and botanical gardens.
🗂️ Taxonomy & Biodiversity