A Deep Dive into Evolutionary Genomics and Its Use in Conservation Science

Conservation and the Genomics of Populations. 3rd edition. Allendorf, F. W., W. C. Funk, S. N. Aitken, M. Byrne, G. Luikart. 2022. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. 746 pp. US$60.00 (paperback). ISBN 978-0-198-85657-3. Conservationists usually face problem shrinking populations endangered wildlife. In such cases, contemporary conservation management can greatly benefit from genetic background threatened that genetics provide (Allendorf, 2017; Hohenlohe et al., 2021). Undoubtedly, better-informed decisions be made if practitioners have access to information on structure, diversity, other population characteristics requiring management. The rescue European adders (Vipera berus) in an isolated Swedish has become a textbook example successful High levels inbreeding were identified as potential source severe decline population, but after temporal introduction males genetically more diverse populations, successfully recovered started grow (Madsen 2004). case this adder is good how evolutionary turn fate available for planning. should ideally and, at least during their training, they chance learn about toolkit genetics, which deliver information. And we apply address questions conservation, arrive science studying small, fragmented are brink extinction. Luckily, there textbooks dedicated advanced undergraduate graduate students few targeting professionals well. Two these first second editions Genetics As title implies, detailed overview its implications biology. However, been major leap technology since publication. recent revolution obtaining high-throughput DNA sequence virtually any nonmodel organisms it possible use genomic approaches wildlife preservation opened new avenue genetics: genomics (Allendorf 2010). application genome-wide variability does not only increase resolution power molecular tools, also opens asking exciting microevolutionary strongly influence (e.g., by revealing adaptive variation) (Hohenlohe Until now relatively field had introduced conservationist reader through comprehensive textbook. This gap filled third edition Allendorf al.’s work, really significant upgrade compared with previous editions. It carries over most topics edition, newly included parts genomics. however, just genomics, clear purpose. emphasised authors, data requires thorough understanding underlying theory genetics. Therefore, book heavily builds provides basic principles Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, natural selection, effective size, subdivision), quantitative methods variation populations. keeps eye anthropogenic challenges, including hybridization, invasion, exploitation climate change. would without strong focus management, where critical inbreeding, sizes, connectivity), units, practices text easy comprehend one graduate-level ecology achieves goal balancing theory, empirical evidence, statistical analyses. such, protocols conduct relevant laboratory analyses, guidance select suitable or approach via well-chosen examples given problem. These illustrated self-explanatory figures general slightly modified original research papers highlight main message getting lost details otherwise important scientific paper. study assisted glossary, even sheds light unusual terms gnomics (see p. 582 surprising definition). ends useful appendix probability, statistics, coding extensive list references. references unfortunately all printed copies, readers them online website publisher www.oup.com/companion/AllendorfCGP3e. seen brand-new chapter presents organisms. Besides novel chapter, several studies literature exemplify research. Another novelty inclusion practical helps bridge long-recognized between geneticists (Holderegger 2019). I was especially happy see subchapters Linux, bioinformatics, filtering, key aspects felt disappointed, little genome assembly book, which, considering beneficial reference genomes (Theissinger 2023), could detail, different sequencing process. part considered detail future biologists ideal way get acquainted science. will help gain insightful underpins If you using planning go edition; invaluable.