Intraspecific Genetic Diversity

Population and evolutionary genetics have been quickly developing ?elds of biological research over the past decades. This book compiles our current understanding of genetic processes in natural populations. In addition, the book provides the author's original ideas and concepts based on the data obtained by himself and his close coworkers. The author introduces his pioneering concept of population genetic stability,and much of thebook is concerned with the factors and conditions of such stability. Why does genetic stability matter so much? Altukhov argues that the sustainable use of natural resources, including genetic resources of popu- tions, critically depends on the maintenance of their stability. The preser- tion of well-adapted genetic characteristics from one generation to the next is essential for this stability. Traditionally, population genetics has been - cusedonevolution andthe role of evolutionary factorsinshapinggenetic structures of populations. While the idea of a population as a dynamic unit of evolution has been widely accepted, the signi?cance of genetic stability and its implications for the long-term survival of populations and species have not been fully appreciated.

"The unique treatise of Yuri P. Altukhov is based on several decades of research on natural communities, modelling them in experiments and with computer analysis. Essential features of species population structure, such as genetic population subdivision, hierarchical systemic organization, unrandom structure of gene migration, as well as factors and conditions of genetic stability of populations are revealed. Elucidating principles of stabilization of gene pools of agricultural animals and plants, the author discusses a strategy of conservation and sustainable management of natural gene pool resources. He considers the specificity of genetic processes in modern human populations and presents a new view on genetic mechanisms of speciation. New evidence is given for the adaptive value of molecular polymorphism in populations. The hypothesis of optimal genetic diversity of populations as the most important condition of their stable reproduction in generations and the principles of rational interaction of human with nature are treated in detail. TOC:Introduction.- The Theoretical Principles of Population Genetics.- Heritable Variation in Populations.- Genetic Processes in Natural Population Systems.- Genetic Processes in Experimental Population Systems.- The Role of Natural Selection in the Maintenance of Protein and DNA Polymorphisms.- Population Genetics and Evolution.- Population Genetic Aspects of the Problem "Man and the Biosphere".- Conclusion.- References.- Subject Index."

The Theoretical Principles of Population Genetics.- Heritable Variation in Populations.- Genetic Processes in Natural Population Systems.- Genetic Processes in Experimental Population Systems.- The Role of Natural Selection in the Maintenance of Protein and DNA Polymorphism.- Population Genetics and Evolution.- Population Genetic Aspects of the Problem "Man and the Biosphere".- Conclusion.