Introduction to Conservation Genetics and Genomics

About this book

The third edition of this essential introductory text has been fully updated in light of the genomics revolution. Providing authoritative and engaging coverage for students and professionals of conservation genetics and genomics, conservation biology, and wildlife biology, the authors explain the underpinning mathematics clearly and accessibly throughout. The critical link between theory and practice, so often obscured in applied genetics, is illuminated in each chapter through examples of diverse conservation issues (including strengthened plant coverage), the solutions needed, and detailed step-by-step guides on how genetic principles can be applied. Self-learning is further facilitated through problem sets with solutions, case studies, main point boxes, symbol and software lists, and approximately 600 engaging full-colour photos and 300 graphics which relate genetic processes to species-level conservation. Highlighting the interdependence between 'ecology' and 'genetics,' this text is educationally rich and visually stunning.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements

1. Introduction
2. Genetic factors contribute to extinction risk

Section I. Measuring and Characterizing Genetic and Genomic Diversity
3. Genomic diversity
4. Characterizing genetic and genomic diversity
5. Characterizing quantitative genetic variation

Section II. Evolutionary Genetics of Natural Populations
6. Evolution by natural selection in large populations
7. Evolutionary impacts of mutation, gene flow, and selection in large populations
8. Evolutionary consequences of small population sizes
9. Maintenance of genetic and genomic diversity

Section III. Harmful Impacts of Population Size Reduction and Means to Reverse Them
10. Inbreeding
11. Inbreeding depression
12. Loss of genetic diversity in small populations reduces ability to evolve
13. Population fragmentation causes inadequate gene flow and increased extinction risk
14. Genetic rescue resulting from gene flow

Section IV. Management Solutions to Genetic Problems
15. Delineation of species and management units for conservation purposes
16. Genetically viable populations
17. Genetic management of ex situ populations
18. Genetic management of wild populations
19. Genetic management of reintroductions and translocations
20. Modified genetic management for species with diverse mating systems and modes of inheritance
21. Genetic management to assist species cope with climate change
22. Genetic management to minimize the adverse impacts of invasive species
23. Use of molecular genetics and genomics in wildlife forensics and to understand species' biology
24. Integrating genetic management into the broader conservation context

Take home messages
Credits for figures, graphics, and photos
References
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Richard Frankham is a leading international figure in conservation genetics, through pioneering research on the genetic impacts of small population sizes and as a senior author of the first textbooks in the field.

Jonathan D. Ballou is a Research Scientist Emeritus at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. His research focuses on the genetic and demographic problems confronted by small populations, especially of threatened species.

Catherine E. Grueber is an Associate Professor and co-leads the Applied and Evolutionary Zoology Group at The University of Sydney. Her team investigates the interactions between population genetic problems and conservation actions.

Melinda Pickup is a conservation geneticist who works as a research scientist at Greening Australia and is an adjunct fellow at Macquarie University. Melinda's core interests are in plant conservation and restoration genetics, plant mating systems, pollination ecology, plant traits, and seed biology.

Adam J. Stow is a Professor at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, renowned for his expertise in science communication. He has made significant contributions to environmental education, including serving as the director of a Master's-level program in conservation.

Paul Sunnucks has co-led the Wildlife Genetic Management Group at Monash University since 2005. Paul's research applies ecological genomics to conservation-relevant population biology.