The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a species of mammal whose only wild population is native to the isolated island of
Tasmania, off the coast of Australia. Tasmanian devils have a very low level of genetic diversity across the entire species. Researchers hypothesize this lack of diversity is the result of several genetic bottlenecks in the species’ history. In 1996 a new disease called devil facial tumor disease (DFTDDFTD) appeared in the wild Tasmanian devil population. DFTDDFTD can spread from one animal to another and causes the death of most affected animals. The impact of DFTDDFTD on the Tasmanian devil population has resulted in a decrease in the total population of more than 85% over the last two decades. (a) Describe the process that maintained a stable Tasmanian devil population size before the appearance of DFTDDFTD in 1996. (b) Explain how the huge reduction of the Tasmanian devil population since 1996 affects the susceptibility of the current population to new diseases in comparison with the susceptibility of the population before 1996. (c) Tasmanian devils are top predators and are considered a keystone species in their community. Predict the effect of the rapid reduction of the Tasmanian devil population on the rest of the community. (d) Justify the prediction of Part c
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