ECOLOGICAL GENETICS: A FOCUS FOR BIODIVERSITY

6th April 2004

ECOLOGICAL GENETICS: A FOCUS FOR BIODIVERSITY

Dr Paul Ashton, Senior Lecturer in Botany at Edge Hill has helped lift the lid on the complexities of variations in natural populations in his book Ecological Genetics, co-written by Dr Stephen Harris and Dr Andrew Lowe.

The book, published by Blackwell Science (UK) uncovers the tools to analyse whether genetically modified crops could influence wild populations. It also examines the different factors that affect variation in natural populations such as mutation, migration and the degree of isolation, as well as exploring the origins of biodiversity. The book was inspired by a conference on Ecological Genetics held at Edge Hill in 2000, where the three authors met and decided to embark on the four-year project.

The result is a book aimed at undergraduates through to research level professionals that aims to show how variations in populations are measured through the use of genetic fingerprinting.

Co-author Dr Andrew Lowe recently took up a position as research lecturer in Queensland, Australia and Dr Stephen Harris, an Oxford University research lecturer specialises in plant evolution.

Dr Ashton said: "Up until now guidelines for analysing genetic markers have been hidden away in specialised journals not always readily accessible to those interested in studying ecological genetics. This book aims to address this fundamental problem by presenting in clear accessible language major topics in the subject, illustrated by examples from plant and animal kingdoms. We hope that the result is an essential guide for those embarking on molecular approaches to ecological genetics and an interesting read for more experienced researchers." ENDS

EDITOR?S NOTES: For further information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk.