Genes and Biogeographers: Incorporating a Genetic Perspective into Biogeographical Research

Abstract

Genetic variation has a dynamic spatial component that is of inherent interest to biogeographers who are deciphering the patterns and processes of species distributions. Despite some current practical limitations on using DNA research methods, the possibilities for future applications appear virtually unlimited. This kind of research is already providing many new insights into evolutionary lineages and the processes that have assembled plants and animals in particular places at particular times in Earth's history. To date, however, the role of humans in shaping those processes has not been as clearly addressed using genetic techniques, both in regards to indirect influences due to habitat alterations and to the direct changes caused by conscious decisions affecting domesticated species as well as by unintentional activities affecting weedy and other wild species of the world. Research efforts utilizing landscape ecology frameworks directed towards species, including those that are rare or have restricted distributions, appear likely to be especially useful for understanding past changes and predicting likely future shifts.