Genetic monomorphism

Cheetahs are a textbook example of genetic monomorphism, i.e. low genetic diversity. It was though that this is the reason for the low reproductive performance and high disease susceptibility in captive cheetahs. However, free-ranging cheetahs reproduce well and mount good immune responses when coming into contact with pathogens. Captive cheetah females suffer from the phenomenon of “asymmetric reproductive aging” which means that if not bred early in their life they are likely to develop reproductive diseases. Also, an unnatural social composition in enclosures hampers successful reproduction in captivity. Their immune system is highly effective in the wild. Due to their relatively low genetic diversity also at their immune genes, cheetahs have a low immune potential provided by their immune gene, which is linked to the adaptive immunity, but have a strong innate immunity which can compensate for the low adaptive immunity.