What is Molecular Ecology?

Molecular ecology involves using molecular genetic techniques to better understand aspects of nature. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines evolutionary biology, population genetics, phylogenetics, and genomics to answer ecological questions often pertaining to conservation biology and the assessment of the diversity of life.

Most living things have DNA, so the tools we use are a powerful way to study wildlife and their habitats. Some of the many questions that can be addressed with genetic data are:

• Estimating population sizes of hard-to-count or cryptic species

• Detection of invasive species   

• Monitoring of species recovery plans

• Determining hybridization between closely related species

• Aiding in wildlife poaching or forensic cases

• Delineating species units within populations to better guide management decisions and resources

• Estimate how changing environmental conditions may influence species and populations  

At MEWG, our goal is for our research to be used for science-based management and conservation. Read more about how genetic tools are used in wildlife management in the article below, written by previous MEWG-chair, Emily Latch, Ph.D.