{"id":5823,"date":"2018-09-27T16:47:45","date_gmt":"2018-09-27T23:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/seagrantscholars\/?p=5823"},"modified":"2018-09-27T16:48:20","modified_gmt":"2018-09-27T23:48:20","slug":"genetics-schmetics-what-is-the-difference-between-all-the-different-methods-used-in-conservation-genetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/seagrantscholars\/2018\/09\/27\/genetics-schmetics-what-is-the-difference-between-all-the-different-methods-used-in-conservation-genetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Genetics schmetics! What is the difference between all the different methods used in conservation genetics?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Genetics is a powerful tool in the field of conservation, but the topic of genetics is so large that it can sometimes be overwhelming to begin to even understand. So here is a quick cheat sheet on different methods and genetic markers that are used in the field of biology, ecology and conservation in general.<\/p>\n

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Using genetics can help us understand the evolution of an organism, assess the status of a population, and conserve a species. \u00a0The basis for all of the is DNA, which can be found in every single cell of all life on earth!<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: Alex Avila. Fin clip sample preserved in alcohol<\/p><\/div>\n

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Photo Credit: Alex Avila. This is a fin clip, this is all you need to extract DNA ( very tiny sample)<\/p><\/div>\n

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Photo Credit: Alex Avila, tools of the trade<\/p><\/div>\n

DNA helps us in species identification (very useful when two different species have very similar physical characteristics), understanding taxonomic relationship ( this can be important when making natural resource management decisions and guiding conservation\/restoration efforts), determination of hybrids, identifying individuals with in a population, determination of parentage, migration of populations, genetic variation and historical size of populations, and also has forensic applications (like tracking down poachers!). As you can see there are many applications for genetics in conservation, and since DNA can be found anywhere, even in poop, it makes it a great tool for scientists and managers in this field to use.<\/p>\n

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Ok, let\u2019s say I have convinced you that genetics is awesome, but now what? There are so many different methods out there, how do I know which one I should use?<\/p>\n

In genetics different methods are known as markers. Which marker you need depends on what you want to learn. Here is a quick reference to what markers to use depending on the questions being asked.<\/p>\n

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Illustration Credit: Kathleen O’Malley<\/p><\/div>\n