Molecular Genetic Approaches in Conservation

Download or read book Molecular Genetic Approaches in Conservation written by Thomas B. Smith and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1996-10-24 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Molecular techniques are proving invaluable in determining the phylogenetic status of potentially endangered species, for investigating mechanisms of speciation, and for measuring the genetic structure of populations. It is increasingly important for ecologists and evolutionary and conservation biologists to understand and use such molecular techniques, but most workers in these areas have not been trained in molecular biology. This book lays out the principles and basic techniques for the molecular tools appropriate for addressing issues in conservation, and it presents case studies showing how these tools have been used successfully in conservation biology. Examples include the genetic analysis of population structure, various uses of DNA in conservation genetics, and estimation of migration parameters from genetic data. Wildlife managers, as well as researchers in these areas, will find this a valuable book.