GENETIC EROSION AND CONSERVATION GENETICS

Abstract

Conservation biologists study the factors that cause species extinction/loss and which species can be protected to ensure the continuation of biodiversity. However, with the development of genetic science and its use as an important tool for restoring and maintaining population viability, another scientific field has emerged called conservation genetics. The applications of genetics in conservation biology are wide-ranging. We need to understand the fact that biodiversity depends on genetic diversity, and if genetic diversity is lost, long-term continuation of biodiversity will be impossible. Population size has a significant impact on the survival of a species. Some species, especially those adapted to unusually rare habitats, have never been abundant. Biologists call these types of species natural rare species. On the other hand, the species we call new rare species are species whose numbers are decreasing due to pressures such as habitat loss. Genetic influence is greater in small and isolated populations. Genetic erosion reduces genetic diversity. The loss of genetic diversity that previously existed in a species is called genetic erosion. This can lead to the loss of potentially useful genes (alleles). Heterozygosity decreases as alleles disappear from the gene pool. Species survival is necessary to maintain genetic diversity. Ex situ conservation refers to the protection of plants and animals outside their natural habitat in artificial environments such as botanical gardens and zoos. This collection of creatures forms the basis of a captive breeding program. In situ conservation is an effort to maintain the population diversity and size of a species in its native habitat. Using species inventories to identify diversity hotspots and protect plants and animals from hunter-gatherers is an important tool in establishing parks and nature reserves to protect habitats. Thus, the habitats of these species are protected, and the issue of establishing farms for domestic species is also of particular interest.