Assessing genomic variability in species of high conservation priority

摘要

When species are reduced to small, isolated populations, inbreeding effects (a reduction in genetic diversity and an increased extinction risk) may occur. This compromises the ability of populations to evolve in response to environmental change thus diminishing their chances of long-term persistence. Neutral genetic variability at a panel of variable loci may reflect overall genetic diversity, and consequently is a good indicator of fitness. Initially we are determining if neutral genetic variability detected using microsatellite markers is correlated with disease resistance or susceptibility.