Undergraduate - UnitBIO2050 - Genetics in ecology and conservation

This unit introduces students to different kinds of genetic variation and the ways in which they are, and are not, important in fitness of individual organisms and viability of populations. A major distinction is made between functional genetic variation as opposed to the non-functional genetic variation typically used as a source of DNA-based tools to study the biology of organisms and their populations. After exploring these concepts, the unit expands on the control and inheritance of traits that have major influences in the lives of organisms. There follows an investigation of how ecological and conservation genetics is applied to real-world research and biological management, in a coherent progression from fine scale 'wildlife forensics', relatedness, parentage, through 'landscape genetics' to phylogeography and phylogenetics. Recent revolutions in these fields are outlined. The concepts are illustrated by exploration of exciting examples encompassing pure and applied science, including urban ecology, invasion and conservation biology, global change ecology, and associated practical work. We explore the relationship between genetic variation and extinction risk of populations and species. Finally, we investigate how genetic variation in organisms is associated with ecosystem function, ecological community structure and protection against environmental change.