Current and Forthcoming Approaches for Benchmarking Genetic and Genomic Diversity

• DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.622603
• Publication Date: 2021-04-08T05:07:02Z
• Authors: Natalia C. García; W. Douglas Robinson
• Keywords: Benchmarking; Subspecies

The current attrition of biodiversity extends beyond loss species and unique populations to steady a vast genomic diversity that remains largely undescribed. Yet the accelerating development new techniques allows us survey entire genomes ever faster cheaper, obtain robust samples from sources including degraded DNA residual in environment, address conservation efforts innovative ways. Here we review recent studies highlight importance carefully considering where prioritize collection genetic (e.g., organisms rapidly changing landscapes or along edges geographic ranges) what collect archive individuals little-known subspecies populations, even not currently considered endangered). Those decisions will provide sample infrastructure detect disappearance certain genotypes gene complexes, increases inbreeding levels, as environmental conditions change. Obtaining endangered, protected, rare can be particularly difficult, thus also focus on use new, non-invasive ways obtaining analyzing them these cases other sampling options are highly constrained. Finally, biological collections archiving such face an inherent contradiction: their main goal is preserve material good shape so it used for scientific research centuries come, yet technologies make materials advancing than change standardized practices. Thus, discuss potential practices might bolster usefulness future research.