Many animals and plants are losing their genetic diversity, making them more vulnerable

Two-thirds of animal and plant populations are declining in genetic diversity, which makes it harder to adapt to environmental changes. That’s according to research published Wednesday in the journal Nature. Researchers examined data for 628 species studied between 1985 and 2019. The greatest losses in genetic variation were seen in birds and mammals. Higher genetic diversity means there’s a greater chance of a species’ survival. Scientists say conservation efforts to connect isolated populations can help maintain or even restore genetic diversity. Two-thirds of animal and plant populations are declining in genetic diversity, which makes it harder to adapt to environmental changes. That’s according to research published Wednesday in the journal Nature. Researchers examined data for 628 species studied between 1985 and 2019. The greatest losses in genetic variation were seen in birds and mammals. Higher genetic diversity means there’s a greater chance of a species’ survival. Scientists say conservation efforts to connect isolated populations can help maintain or even restore genetic diversity.  AP Technology and Science