How should we overcome the problems associated with managing endangered wildlife populations that have lost a lot of genetic diversity or are highly inbred? How can an understanding of genomic erosion help us to tailor plans to recover threatened species? Genetic diversity forms the basis of the diversity of life on earth, and you will need to understand the fundamentals of evolutionary genetics, evolutionary ecology and conservation genomics, to be fully equipped to tackle the challenges that need to be overcome to successfully restore populations of endangered species. You will gain an understanding of the evolutionary and ecological processes that foster biodiversity and genetic diversity across timescales ranging from a few generations to millions of years. In this module you will learn about the importance of genetic processes that causes problems in small populations, and relevant evolutionary and ecological mechanisms within the context of conservation.
Lecture 16, Workshop 16
2-hours Examination. Assessment Details: Examination worth 50%.
2,500 words Report. Assessment Details: Lab report worth 50%.
Reassessment Method: Like for like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
analyse the different issues involved in evolutionary ecology and conservation genetics from a theoretical standpoint
Gain knowledge of the practical tools available to measure genetic diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness for making conservation management decisions
Appraise and evaluate key topics regarding ecological and conservation genetics
critically evaluate the role of ecology in genetic problems associated with small population biology alongside evolutionary processes
Interpret genetic data and relate this to behavioural and ecological data in the context of conservation biology
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