A Primer of conservation genetics

Richard Frankham, Jonathan D. Ballou, David A. Briscoe

    Research output: Book/ReportBook

    Abstract

    The biological diversity of our planet is rapidly being depleted due to direct and indirect consequences of human activities. As the size of animal and plant populations decreases, loss of genetic diversity reduces their ability to adapt to changes in the environment, with inbreeding depression an inevitable consequence for many species. This concise, entry-level text provides an introduction to the role of genetics in conservation and presents the essentials of the discipline. Topics covered include: loss of genetic diversity in small populations, inbreeding and loss of fitness, resolution of taxonomic uncertainties, genetic management of threatened species, contributions of molecular genetics to conservation. The authors assume only a basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics and simple statistics, making the book accessible to those with a limited background in these areas. Connections between conservation genetics and the wider field of conservation biology are interwoven throughout the book.
    Original languageEnglish
    Place of PublicationNew York
    PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP)
    ISBN (Print)0521831105
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2004

    Keywords

    • Ecological genetics
    • Genetics
    • Conservation biology
    • Biological diversity
    • Evolutionary genetics

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