Abstract
This chapter introduces a new perspective to the field of conservation genetics, driven by recent advancements in genomic technologies. It begins with a brief historical overview of the discipline and a discussion of its focus on neotropical species and populations, followed by a discussion on how molecular phylogenetic diversity, comparative phylogeography, and the use of environmental as well as invertebrate-derived DNA have opened up new avenues for the conservation of living communities. This chapter indicates that, despite the many achievements of the past decades, critical questions related to selectively important genetic variation and genotype-environmental interactions are still challenging conservation geneticists. The effective use of conservation genetics and genomics information for the planning, implementation and management of conservation practices by the decision-makers is also an important challenge in the Neotropics.
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The author thanks the Brazilian agency Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, 303524/2019-7).
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Galetti, P.M. (2023). A Fresh Look at Conservation Genetics in the Neotropics. In: Galetti Jr., P.M. (eds) Conservation Genetics in the Neotropics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34854-9_1
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