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GENETICS AND POPULATION-LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT
Citation:
Nacci, D E. AND A. Hoffmann. GENETICS AND POPULATION-LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT. Presented at 14th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry-Europe, Prague, Czech Republic, April 18-22, 2004.
Description:
Genetic variation defines population structure and provides the mechanism for populations to adapt to novel stressors. Despite its fundamental importance in understanding populations, genetic information has been included rarely in models of population dynamics (endangered species excepted), and almost never considered in ecological risk assessments. However, genetic information, made increasingly accessible through genomic technologies, can contribute in several areas of population-level risk assessment. Specifically, the incorporation of genetic information can improve characterization of population structure and health, prediction of risks to population viability, and understanding of long-term effects of stressors, including chemical pollutants. With respect to addressing these goals, we review and discuss topics including abundance and effective population size, genetic diversity and fitness, genes and function, and evolved chemical tolerance and its relevance to population persistence. To illustrate these points, we provide examples of predicted and unexpected genetic effects on wild populations. Finally, we make suggestions concerning specific research areas critical to advance the application and utility of genetics to population-level ecological risk assessment.