The ability to examine thousands of genetic markers

| We will soon have complete genome sequences from thousands of species, as well as from many individuals within species. This coming explosion of information will transform our understanding of the amount, distribution and functional significance of genetic variation in natural populations. Now is a crucial time to explore the potential implications of this information revolution for conservation genetics and to recognize limitations in applying genomic tools to conservation issues. We identify and discuss those problems for which genomics will be most valuable for curbing the accelerating worldwide loss of biodiversity. We also provide guidance on which genomics tools and approaches will be most appropriate to use for different aspects of conservation. R E V I E W S NATure reVIewS | Genetics Volume 11 | ocToBer 2010 | 697 Inbreeding coefficient The probability that two alleles in an individual are both descended from a single allele in an ancestor (that is, that they are ‘identical-by-descent’).