How Genome Sequencing is Uncovering the Impact of Inbreeding on Species Decline
Genome sequencing has revealed that inbreeding is a major contributor to the decline of a species of wild rabbits found only in the Pyrenees Mountains. Scientists studying the Pyrenean desman, a species of semiaquatic mammal found only in the mountain range, found that inbreeding has caused a dramatic decline in their populations. The research, published in the journal Animal Conservation, provides valuable insights into the impact of inbreeding on the health of wild populations and may help conservation efforts for other threatened species.
Inbreeding is a major problem for species with small populations as it leads to a decrease in genetic diversity and thus a decrease in the health of the species. In the case of the Pyrenean desman, researchers found that the population had suffered from inbreeding for centuries, leading to a dramatic decline in their numbers. By sequencing the genomes of the Pyrenean desman, the researchers were able to identify the genetic markers associated with inbreeding and how it has contributed to the decline of the species. The findings provide valuable information for conservationists and may help to inform future conservation efforts for this and other threatened species.
source: Phys.org