A new study reveals alarming decline in genetic diversity across animal and plant populations, raising concerns about species' ability to adapt to environmental changes.
Two-thirds of animal and plant populations are experiencing a decline in genetic diversity , making it more challenging for them to adapt to environmental changes, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from 628 species studied between 1985 and 2019, revealing the most significant losses in genetic variation among birds and mammals. A surprising trend observed was the decline in genetic diversity even among many species not considered at risk.
Catherine Grueber, a conservation biologist at the University of Sydney and co-author of the study, highlighted this concerning finding. David Nogués-Bravo, a researcher at the University of Copenhagen who was not involved in the study, explained the importance of genetic diversity for species survival. He stated that when a species possesses diverse genetic solutions, it's better equipped to handle changes.If a new disease spreads or climate change alters rainfall patterns, some individuals within a species will be more resilient due to their genetic makeup. Higher genetic diversity increases the likelihood of a species' survival. Conservation efforts focused on connecting isolated populations can help maintain or even restore genetic diversity. A prime example is the Florida panther, an endangered species that faced habitat loss due to urban development and freeways. By the mid-1990s, the remaining panthers in southern Florida exhibited clear signs of inbreeding, with physical abnormalities and low sperm counts in males.To address this issue, biologists introduced eight female panthers from Texas to Florida. Twenty years later, the Florida panther population has significantly increased, and genetic diversity has improved. Stuart Pimm, an ecologist at Duke University who was not part of the research, emphasized the plight of isolated populations and the importance of reconnecting them. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content
Genetic Diversity Conservation Endangered Species Climate Change Adaptation
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