Conserving and monitoring genetic diversity will benefit nature and society

A hidden planetary crisis has long been neglected that is as serious as the disappearance of species and degradation of habitats. Genetic diversity, which reflects the variation in DNA within species and populations and is the key to their capacity to adapt in times of change, is being lost at an alarming rate. According to an article by 28 authors representing 16 countries, the loss of genetic diversity can affect resiliency in the face of environmental change and result in the loss of important services provided to society. Once gone, genetic diversity can take millennia to return.

from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vqZdLW

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Seismic study reveals key reason why Patagonia is rising as glaciers melt

The icefields that stretch for hundreds of miles atop the Andes mountain range in Chile and Argentina are melting at some of the fastest rates on the planet. The ground that was beneath this ice is also shifting and rising as these glaciers disappear. Geologists have discovered a link between recent ice mass loss, rapid rock uplift and a gap between tectonic plates that underlie Patagonia. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/j1h2ds5
Read more

New method to detect and visualize sperm cells recovered from forensic evidence

One of the most valuable forms of forensic evidence in cases of male-perpetrated sexual assault is the presence of semen, either in the form of stains left behind on items or on swabs collected from victims after an offense. To confirm that semen is present, suspected stains are examined under a microscope to see if any sperm cells are visible. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2XBwacB
Read more