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Richard Frankham
unknown (e.g., transposons and split genes have been recent unexpected discoveries). There is a need for the development of more biologically realistic computer
software. For example, it should be possible to develop software to evaluate the
effects of inbreeding on reproductive fitness as well as on genetic variation. This
would be a multilocus program with linkage, recombination, mutation, and
deleterious alleles. In this case, there are ample experimental data to evaluate and
refine software.
Limitations of Studies with Laboratory Species
Not all issues in conservation genetics are amenable to studies with laboratory
species. The most obvious exception is the resolution of taxonomic uncertainties.
Clearly, such work must be done with the endangered species itself. Detailed
management of a species is aided by knowledge of its genetic variation and
breeding structure, such that the species itself must be investigated. For example,
details of the relative impact of inbreeding on different components of fitness are
likely to be species specific. Information from closely related species is often a
useful guide.
When ecological models are required, the choice of laboratory species is much
more difficult and challenging. Global model species such as Drosophila do not
exist for ecological studies as they do in genetics. The choice of appropriate
species and management regimes will depend on the question being asked. This
has led to some misunderstanding by ecologists of laboratory animal modeling
work in conservation genetics.
The Role of Laboratory Animal Research in
Conservation Genetics
Laboratory animal research should assume the role of providing rapid and inexpensive evaluations of new theories and problems in conservation genetics. Genetics is much more amenable to model animal and plant work than is ecology, as
the genetics of all outbreeding species is remarkably similar, whether it be humans, Cheetahs, Bison, mice, Drosophila, or Maize. Much of what we know
about genetics in general was first discovered in peas and Drosophila. It is desirable to have more than one laboratory animal model in case there are issues in
which one species is different from others. For example, there was concern about
the low chromosome number in D. melanogaster. Comparison of results from
different species has established that this is no impediment to its role as a model in
population and quantitative genetics (Frankham 1982). Further, there are problems for which another species may be a more suitable experimental animal.
Much work has been done on genotype x environmental interaction by using
Tribolium, as it is easier to control their diet. In animal breeding, Drosophila,
mice, Tribolium, and Japanese Quail have been the main laboratory species used.
Typically, new theories are first evaluated in Drosophila and then in mice. If the
Richard Frankham
unknown (e.g., transposons and split genes have been recent unexpected discoveries). There is a need for the development of more biologically realistic computer
software. For example, it should be possible to develop software to evaluate the
effects of inbreeding on reproductive fitness as well as on genetic variation. This
would be a multilocus program with linkage, recombination, mutation, and
deleterious alleles. In this case, there are ample experimental data to evaluate and
refine software.
Limitations of Studies with Laboratory Species
Not all issues in conservation genetics are amenable to studies with laboratory
species. The most obvious exception is the resolution of taxonomic uncertainties.
Clearly, such work must be done with the endangered species itself. Detailed
management of a species is aided by knowledge of its genetic variation and
breeding structure, such that the species itself must be investigated. For example,
details of the relative impact of inbreeding on different components of fitness are
likely to be species specific. Information from closely related species is often a
useful guide.
When ecological models are required, the choice of laboratory species is much
more difficult and challenging. Global model species such as Drosophila do not
exist for ecological studies as they do in genetics. The choice of appropriate
species and management regimes will depend on the question being asked. This
has led to some misunderstanding by ecologists of laboratory animal modeling
work in conservation genetics.
The Role of Laboratory Animal Research in
Conservation Genetics
Laboratory animal research should assume the role of providing rapid and inexpensive evaluations of new theories and problems in conservation genetics. Genetics is much more amenable to model animal and plant work than is ecology, as
the genetics of all outbreeding species is remarkably similar, whether it be humans, Cheetahs, Bison, mice, Drosophila, or Maize. Much of what we know
about genetics in general was first discovered in peas and Drosophila. It is desirable to have more than one laboratory animal model in case there are issues in
which one species is different from others. For example, there was concern about
the low chromosome number in D. melanogaster. Comparison of results from
different species has established that this is no impediment to its role as a model in
population and quantitative genetics (Frankham 1982). Further, there are problems for which another species may be a more suitable experimental animal.
Much work has been done on genotype x environmental interaction by using
Tribolium, as it is easier to control their diet. In animal breeding, Drosophila,
mice, Tribolium, and Japanese Quail have been the main laboratory species used.
Typically, new theories are first evaluated in Drosophila and then in mice. If the