An introduction to restoration genetics

All living organisms carry a genetic blueprint. This is so regardless of whether they are plants, animals, or fungi, whether they are short- or long-lived, and whether they reproduce sexually or clonally. Therefore, to the extent that restoration deals with living organisms, genetics are part of the picture. Although the basic principles underlying restoration genetics may be familiar, to date surprisingly little attention has been devoted to genetic considerations in restoration practice. The purpose of this Restoration Science and Policy Paper is to outline some considerations that restoration designers and managers should be aware of, and to identify more detailed resources that may be useful in practice.