Unit 2445: Conservation Genetics

1. Introduction to Conservation Genetics

• Definition and scope of conservation genetics
• Importance of genetic diversity in conservation efforts
• Applications of genetic techniques in conservation biology
• Role of genetics in population management and species recovery

2. Genetic Variation and Biodiversity

• Concept of genetic variation within and among populations
• Factors influencing genetic diversity: mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, selection
• Significance of genetic diversity for ecosystem function and resilience
• Consequences of reduced genetic variation: inbreeding depression, loss of adaptive potential

3. Population Genetics and Evolution

• Principles of population genetics
  • Genetic drift and its impact on allele frequencies
  • Gene flow and migration effects
  • Inbreeding and its genetic consequences
  • Natural selection and adaptation
• Changes in genetic composition of populations over time

4. Conservation Genomics

• Overview of genomic techniques in conservation
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS): principles and applications
• Genotyping approaches and data analysis
• Use of bioinformatics tools in conservation genetics research
• Applications:
  • Studying population structure
  • Identifying adaptive genetic variation
  • Assessing genetic health and fitness

5. Molecular Markers in Conservation Genetics

• Types of molecular markers:
  • Microsatellites
  • Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
  • Mitochondrial DNA
• Use of molecular markers in:
  • Genetic studies of endangered species
  • Conservation breeding programs
  • Monitoring population dynamics and gene flow

6. Genetic Management of Small Populations

• Challenges faced by small and fragmented populations
• Genetic rescue: concepts and case studies
• Genetic monitoring techniques and importance
• Captive breeding programs:
  • Maintaining genetic diversity
  • Preventing inbreeding depression
• Strategies to enhance population viability

7. Conservation Genetics in Wildlife Forensics

• Application of genetic techniques to combat wildlife crime
• DNA profiling and forensic genetics methods
• Use of population genetics to track illegal trafficking
• Identification of poached specimens
• Supporting law enforcement and policy making

8. Climate Change and Conservation Genetics

• Effects of climate change on genetic diversity and species distributions
• Genetic adaptation and evolutionary responses to environmental change
• Role of conservation genetics in climate change mitigation strategies
• Developing conservation plans to enhance adaptive potential

End of Unit Outline