Phenotypic Variation in Natural Populations

Genetics is the study of the inheritance of differences among individuals. Genomic approaches now make it possible to better understand the genetic basis and adaptive significance of phenotypic differences among individuals. Population-level differences in disease resistance will have important implications for population persistence in the face of emergent infectious diseases. In addition, understanding the genomic basis for that phenotype will be crucial for conservation efforts such as genetically informed breeding for reintroductions, genetic rescue of infected populations, and population restoration following declines. Most phenotypic differences between individuals within populations have both genetic and environmental causes. Raising individuals from different populations in the same environmental conditions can be used to test if there is a genetic component to phenotypic differences among populations. Understanding and maintaining phenotypic differences between individuals within populations and between populations can play a crucial role in conservation.