Conservation genetics is an interdisciplinary science that aims to apply genetic methods to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. In recent years, the field has been expanding due to advances in technologies and related disciplines, including genomics. Genomics is the study of the structure, function, and evolution of genomes—the entire collection of hereditary information for a given organism—as well as interactions between genes. This essay collection is excerpted from Conservation Genetics in the Age of Genomics (2009, Columbia University Press). The selected essays provide an introduction to challenges faced in conservation genetics and conservation biology in general, and examine how developments in genomics might provide advances in conservation genetics. This first chapter reviews the integration of genetics into conservation biology and discusses several areas in which genetics can aid in conservation decision-making. This text is distributed in this form by the Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners (NCEP) with permission from the authors and publishers.
View this module in other languages:
Conservation Genetics (Ukrainian)
See also:
Systematics and Biodiversity Conservation
What’s in the Water? Using environmental DNA for Marine Monitoring and Planning
Theme: Conservation Management
Language: English
Region: Global
Keywords: extinction, genetics, genomics, management, planning, population dynamics, tools
Components: 13
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Author: G. Amato
Author: J.P. Gibbs
This exercise illustrates the importance of genetics in captive breeding and re-introduction of threatened species, where reproduction is often limited to small groups and inbreeding is a major concern. This exercise will familiarize students with the concept of inbreeding, constructing and analyzing a pedigree, examining the effects of inbreeding on fitness, and developing captive breeding plans.
This exercise focuses on the importance of and ways of determining genetic variation. Students are asked to allocate available funds to conserve a limited number of wetland sites hosting endemic orchid populations. Conservation sites are prioritized by determining the allele frequencies for each population and the fixation index (diversity) for each species. Students develop the skills to interpret enzyme electrophoresis gel results.
This exercise aims to provide students with a broad introduction to some of the key tools used in conservation genetics research. In specialist groups, students first discuss scientific papers that each focus on one specific conservation genetic tool. Students then form interdisciplinary groups to learn and share about the genetic tools among their peers, before designing a conservation genetic study aimed at solving a pertinent conservation problem.
Author: F. Kershaw
Author: F. Kershaw
Author: J.P. Gibbs
Author: J.P. Gibbs
Author: F. Kershaw
