The crucial role of genome-wide genetic variation in conservation.

ABSTRACT: The unprecedented rate of extinction calls for efficient use of genetics to help conserve biodiversity. Several recent genomic and simulation-based studies have argued that the field of conservation biology has placed too much focus on conserving genome-wide genetic variation, and that the field should instead focus on managing the subset of functional genetic variation that is thought to affect fitness. Here, we critically evaluate the feasibility and likely benefits of this approach in conservation. We find that population genetics theory and empirical results show that conserving genome-wide genetic variation is generally the best approach to prevent inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive potential from driving populations toward extinction. Focusing conservation efforts on presumab

SUBMITTER: Kardos M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8640931 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature