Conservation Genetics and Extinction

Flashcards covering key concepts in conservation genetics and the implications of extinction events.

Mass Extinction

An event during which a significant percentage of all living species become extinct in a relatively short period of geological time.

Anthropogenic Effect

Environmental changes caused by human activity, often leading to species threat or extinction.

Conservation Genetics

A field of study that uses genetic data to aid in the conservation of species and management of genetic diversity.

Heterozygosity

The presence of different alleles at one or more loci on chromosomes in an organism.

Genetic Drift

A mechanism of evolution that refers to random fluctuations in allele frequencies within a population.

Inbreeding Depression

A reduction in fitness and health in a population due to breeding between closely related individuals.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Extinction Vortex

A downward spiral where small populations experience loss of genetic diversity and increased risk of extinction.

Genetic Restoration

Efforts aimed at increasing genetic diversity in populations that are at risk of extinction.

Adaptive Variation

Genetic diversity that allows a population to adapt to changing environmental conditions.