The gene pool is dangerously shallow for many species. Researchers find five ways to support

Golden bandits (ISOODON AURATUS). Credit: Corin Sims/Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction, CC by-Sa
Before the species become extinct, their groups are often shrunk and isolated. A healthy group tends to have a large gene pool where many genetic varines circulate. However, as the gene pool of the species shrinks as the population decreases, the road to extinction erodes genetic diversity. Losing genetic diversity restricts the ability to adapt to threats such as illness and climate change.
So what are the genetic diversity of animals, plants, bacteria, and algae around the world? And how does focusing on this important level of biological diversity help build resilience in the face of global changes? Explore these questions in new research released on Nature.
A team of 57 scientists in 20 countries ran over 80,000 scientific articles over 30 years and summarized evidence of genetic changes in 141 countries.
Surprisingly, we have found that genetic diversity has been lost worldwide in many species, especially birds and mammals. This loss was the most serious research in reporting the changes in human activities such as habitat, new illness, natural disasters, hunting and logging.
But there is hope. Our research suggests that conservation strategies can help maintain or increase genetic diversity.
What is genetic diversity and why is it important?
At the core of all cells, there is a copy of the instruction manual for living things. This is a genetic code composed of DNA molecules. However, the sequence is very different, separating MOTH from the tree from the bacteria. Even in the species, there is a clear genetic difference between individuals. These genetic differences contribute to their characteristics, so you can get a tall, short, faster, faster, or more cautious individual.
This genetic diversity is derived from mutations. In many cases, these mutations are not useful. But sometimes, the population can be adapted to change.
For example, Golden Celp (Radia Tap Ronia) likes cold water. However, in the population, some individuals have a mutation suitable for hot water. When catastrophic marine heat waves collided with the coast of Western Australia in 2011, it was highly likely that individuals with heated water would survive and breed. With this genetic diversity, the group of Kelp was able to adapt to warm state.
This is why genetic diversity is very important. It gives more resilience in a rapidly changing world. This priority is recognized by the goals and goals discussed at the Australian nature strategy and the United Nations Biological Diversity COP16.
How can the genetic diversity of the intimidated species be protected or recovered?
To answer this question, I searched for a pattern using a method called a meta analysis. From more than 80,000 published articles, we have identified 882 research to measure changes in genetic diversity over time. These studies have come all over the world and the whole “tree of life”.
They show that there are many ways to save genetic diversity. Here are five promising strategies that help keep the seeds in elasticity.
Action 1: Addition of individual
Adding an individual to an existing group is known as a supplement. Our research shows that supplementation is the only action associated with the significant increase in the genetic diversity of birds.
Supplements can help reduce the harmful impact of myths. This is common in small isolated groups. For example, a conservative working to protect Robins (Petroica Australis) on the southern island of New Zealand moved female birds between the isolated islands. The descendants of different island parents have a strong immune system, have a higher survival rate, and have improved reproductive health compared to shelter.
Replenishment is the key to enhancing genetic diversity, improving population health, and building elasticity.
Action 2: Population management
The opposition to remove individuals can, for example, reducing competition, can actually improve the results of the entire population depending on the situation.
However, the results of genetic diversity were greatly different in research using population control. So how can you use this strategy effectively?
In one case, US protective theorists used the population management of coasterbrook trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis) at Hatch to prevent one family from breeding too much. This means that multiple genetic systems are maintained and genetic diversity increases.
Action 3: Repair
Restoration of the ecosystem includes wood planting, rehabilitation of wetlands, and natural patterns of fire and water. When ecological recovery was used, it was found that genetic diversity was often maintained over time.
Along with the supplement, the restoration initiatives are important for the survival of Director Olahara (Timpanaku Speed), which had lost many habitats. Researchers have proved that the appropriate recovery and expansion of habitat are important to maintain genetic diversity and achieve long -term recovery.
Action 4: Other species control
Ferral, pests, or excessive species can defeat, eat, and grazing threats. The control of these species was related to maintaining genetic diversity in the overall research.
For example, the control of the Red Fox number has helped the Arctic fox in Sweden to recover. This technique reduced competition over foods and other resources, but new foxes from Norwegian have been added to wildlife. Intension has been reduced and survival has been improved.
Action 5: Introduction and re -introduction of conservation
Establishing a new population on a new site is called conservation introduction, but re -introduction means restoring the previously existed population.
When these actions were reported, a mixture result of genetic diversity was found. So what factors are contributing to success?
In West Australia, many golden bandits (ISOODON AURATUS) from the rugged islands were re -introduced on three sites. Six generations later, genetic diversity on these sites remained the same as the original source group. We succeeded in a cautious plan to secure a large gene pool where a new group begins.
Overall, our research revealed many cases of loss of genetic diversity. However, we have also discovered evidence that preservation, especially supplementation, can improve the genetic health of species.
What can you do?
Supporting genetic diversity can be done at home.
If you have a garden, you can plant native species and support the connection of habitat.
The cultivation of plateau and rare fruit trees, or the choice of breeding heritage can maintain the genetic diversity of our food system.
Participate in communities and botanical gardens groups, cooperate with conservation groups to improve their habitat, and strengthen the number of endangered Species species.
While enjoying nature, do not accidentally move plants, seeds, or soil to new areas and reduce pests and illness.
These small behaviors are supplemented to help protect biodiversity at all levels, including genetic diversity.
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