The Future of Conservation Genetics: Integrating Molecular and Quantitative Genetic Approaches

Moderators: Jeff Hard and Paul Moran
Emails: jeff.hard@noaa.gov and paul.moran@noaa.gov

Date: Thursday, September 15, 2005
Time: 1:20 pm to 5:40 pm
Location: Egan - Arteaga Room

Although molecular markers have long been essential tools for describing genetic variation in threatened fish species, some of the most critical questions in conservation relate more to the genetic basis of phenotypic variation than to variation at neutral markers. The conventional approach to elucidating the relationship between genotype and phenotype involves often elaborate breeding programs that are not often feasible for wild, threatened populations. Indeed, quantitative genetic studies are typically expensive and time-consuming to conduct and have largely been limited in application to captive pedigreed populations. Nevertheless, significant advances in molecular approaches—including tools and analyses—combined with novel applications to wild as well as cultured populations do hold promise for more fully addressing questions of the genetic mechanics of adaptation and rapid evolution. How best can molecular and quantitative genetic tools be brought to bear on understanding factors that limit viability of wild or conserved populations? This symposium will bring together researchers who are actively pursuing this question and who are making substantial contributions to understanding how these two powerful lines of inquiry can be combined to enhance the understanding of adaptation. The symposium will include presentations on evolutionary inference from non-neutral markers, estimating genetic covariance for suites of complex traits, selection studies based on inferred pedigrees, identification and estimation of Quantitative Trait Loci, and studies of effects of selection and drift on adaptive response. New and advanced genetic technologies and analytical approaches will become increasingly important in helping researchers understand how complex phenotypes are inherited and evolve. The synthesis of these methods will have profound consequences for conservation genetics and evolutionary ecology. This symposium provides a glimpse into the potential these approaches offer to conservation biologists working with fish by describing several case studies that illuminate this potential.

Link to list of presentations in this symposium

Sponsor:

AFS Genetics Section

National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center