Biodiversity Lecture - Week 7 PDF

# Biodiversity ## Genetic Diversity - Knowledge of genetic diversity in livestock is key to good management and conservation. - It is important to consider the following elements: - **Element 1:** The ability to measure phenotypic traits and apply genetic knowledge. - **Element 2:** The ab...

# Biodiversity ## Genetic Diversity - Knowledge of genetic diversity in livestock is key to good management and conservation. - It is important to consider the following elements: - **Element 1:** The ability to measure phenotypic traits and apply genetic knowledge. - **Element 2:** The ability to organize livestock breeds in communities and develop integrated production systems. - **Element 3:** Creating genetic banks. ## Biological Diversity - Biological diversity refers to the variety of living organisms, their numbers, and the variation between individuals, species, and their interactions. ### Importance of Biological Diversity - Important for animal production, especially poultry. - Selection and hybridization are used to improve specific traits through traditional methods. - Molecular genetics techniques are used to save time and effort. - Genetic improvement ultimately relies on genetic variation. ### Importance of Biological Diversity in Developing Countries - Most of these countries rely on natural resources for food and medicine. - Local populations use wild plants for medicine and animal feed. - Wild ancestors provide a genetic source for breeding new varieties. - These countries are looking for local alternatives to producing food, feed, and medicine. - There is a focus on using wild plants for extracting medicinal compounds. - These countries have a biological reserve that ensures a better life in difficult situations. - They have many species of human and historical significance. - The history of biological diversity over 700 years allows scientists to research the foundations of life when the climate changes. ## Erosion of Genetic Resources - Domestication of animals began over 12,000 years ago. - There are 600 thousand species of mammals and poultry, but only 30 are used in agriculture. - Of these, 16 species make up 90% of total animal production. - Livestock contributes 30%-40% of agricultural output. - Increasing population and demand have led to a focus on intensive production and using only a few breeds globally. - This has led to the extinction of many low-producing breeds, even though they are well-adapted. - Global strategies for animal genetic resources are being implemented to reduce livestock extinction, promote the use of neglected animal genetic resources, and encourage the use of untapped resources. ### Causes of Loss of Genetic Diversity in Animals - **In developed countries:** The threat posed by genetic erosion comes from globalization, agricultural development, increasing income, and the introduction of foreign breeds. - This has led to the disappearance of many native species. - **In developing countries:** The threats to genetic diversity stem from the influence of foreign breeds, population levels, and the use of foreign species, leading to changes in production systems. - This also includes the occurrence of disasters such as drought, famine, and epidemics. - Other threats are internal conflicts, the intention to improve and specialize, the development of technological tools, political instability, natural disasters, climate change, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of breeding improvement services, and a lack of qualified manpower. - This includes a lack of manpower due to migration. - **Hybridization:** Crossbreeding with foreign breeds (crossing borders) for the purpose of increasing the number of individuals. - This is a challenge for local species, even though they have the potential to survive. - Rapid development of the poultry industry in the region, with significant diversity amongst chicken types, creates an increased need for these species, since they are the source of the genetic traits.