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A recent study suggests that monitoring genetic diversity in natural species in Europe is not yet sufficiently extensive. As a result, the disappearance of specific genetic variants in the populations of plant and animal species crucial for maintaining biodiversity may go unnoticed.
Living beings can be distinguished from other members of their species by variations in their genetic material, or DNA. When the environment becomes unfavourable for plant and animal populations, a wide variety of DNA sequencing, or genetic diversity, enables populations to adapt to new conditions and helps prevent extinction or the need for relocation. As a consequence, genetic diversity is one of the primary factors supporting the survival of species.
Among other things, many species are endangered by changes in climate. These changes have the most significant impact on plant and animal populations in the border areas of their distribution, as adaptation to change is crucial for them.
The survival of populations is increasingly influenced by their capacity to withstand extremely high temperatures and droughts as well as their ability to adapt to new species entering their territories. To measure the ability of species to endure a changing climate and uphold biodiversity in an area, substantial additions to the available data on the genetic diversity of populations are necessary.
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution provided an overview of genetic diversity monitoring across Europe. The study, which involved 60 universities and 31 research institutes, revealed that genetic diversity monitoring in Europe, including Estonia, is insufficient. The study also recommended regions where genetic diversity in populations should be monitored more extensively.
For instance, the region recommended for genetic diversity research in Estonia has been monitored only once before. Therefore, this monitoring lacks a systematic approach and regular repetitions in the corresponding research. In the action plans for protecting endangered species, genetic diversity is assigned the lowest priority in the biodiversity standard, if mentioned at all.
This has led to a situation where we lack an overview of how genetic diversity has changed in the populations of species over time in various groups of organisms. Consequently, it is impossible to determine whether and to what extent changes in the environment pose a threat to plant and animal populations in Estonia.
According to the leading author of the study, Peter Pearman, continuing to ignore genetic diversity may result in the extinction of critically important genetic variants. On the other hand, effective monitoring could assist in identifying key areas where such genetic variants are found, ensuring the adaptability and long-term survival of species.
This knowledge could aid in more effectively planning land usage and supporting the protection and restoration of ecological systems. This way, biodiversity and the benefits from various species, such as crop pollination, natural pest control and climate regulation, could be preserved.
In Estonia, the study was led by Macroecology Associate Professor Tsipe Aavik from the landscape biodiversity work group at the University of Tartu.
