International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 197-207 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 197 Review and Perspectives Open Access Genetic Adaptation in Avian Species to Rapid Environmental Changes Yanlin Wang, Jia Chen Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: jia.chen@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0021 Received: 09 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 17 Aug., 2024 Published: 25 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang and Chen, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang Y.L., and Chen J., 2024, Genetic adaptation in avian species to rapid environmental changes, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(4): 197-207 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0021) Abstract This study explores the genetic adaptation mechanisms in avian species as they respond to rapid environmental changes. It identifies natural selection, genetic mutations, gene flow, and epigenetic mechanisms as pivotal drivers of adaptation, enabling birds to survive and thrive amidst challenges such as climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species. Migration is highlighted as a crucial factor in maintaining genetic diversity and facilitating rapid evolutionary changes, particularly through gene flow between geographically separated populations. The case study of Arctic terns offers unique insights into how extensive migratory behaviors contribute to genetic differentiation and adaptive potential, showcasing the interplay between environmental challenges and genetic responses. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding these mechanisms to inform conservation strategies, particularly the preservation of genetic diversity, which is critical for the long-term survival of avian species in the face of accelerating environmental changes. By synthesizing current research and case studies, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how birds adapt genetically to changing environments, underscoring the need for ongoing research and targeted conservation efforts. KeywordsAvian species; Genetic adaptation; Rapid environmental changes; Migration; Conservation strategies 1 Introduction Understanding genetic adaptation in avian species is crucial for several reasons. Birds are among the most diverse and widely distributed vertebrates, occupying a variety of ecological niches across the globe. This diversity makes them excellent models for studying evolutionary processes and genetic adaptation. Genetic adaptation allows avian species to survive and thrive in changing environments, which is essential for their conservation and management. Moreover, birds often serve as indicators of environmental health, making their study relevant for broader ecological and environmental monitoring (Teplitsky et al., 2014; Duc and Schöneberg, 2016; Josephs, 2020). Rapid environmental changes refer to significant alterations in climate, habitat, and ecosystems that occur over short time scales, often due to anthropogenic activities. These changes include global warming, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Such rapid changes can impose severe selective pressures on wildlife, necessitating quick adaptive responses for survival (Charmantier et al., 2008; Lai et al., 2019). Genetic adaptation is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, habitat loss, and human activities. Climate change can alter the availability of resources, timing of breeding seasons, and migration patterns, requiring birds to adapt quickly to new conditions. Habitat loss and fragmentation, often driven by urbanization and deforestation, can isolate populations and reduce genetic diversity, making adaptation more challenging (Kozakiewicz et al., 2018). Human activities, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species, can also create new selective pressures that necessitate rapid genetic changes for survival (Andrew et al., 2018). This study is to synthesize current knowledge on genetic adaptation in avian species in response to rapid environmental changes. It will identify key genetic mechanisms that facilitate adaptation in birds, evaluate the role of standing genetic variation and new mutations in adaptive processes, assess the impact of phenotypic plasticity
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