Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

When Dr. Oliver Ryder began his studies, conservation genetics was not yet a field. He attended the University of California, Riverside, as a genetics major, but yearned to work in conservation. Fortunately he was not alone! Students’ and working professionals’ passion for conservation and genetics led to the creation of his current field of study: conservation genetics.

But what is the purpose of conservation genetics? Isn’t studying genetics enough? The goal of conservation genetics is “to save species and maintain functional systems that support and generate biodiversity,” Dr. Ryder explains. By studying genomes (the ordering of genes), scientists are reaching this aim. Geneticists identify genes, analyze genetic variation, mutational processes, and identify elements of genomes. The information collected allows them to develop insight to discover the most successful approach to gene pool conservation efforts in the mission to conserve biodiversity.

Unlike some pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the San Diego Zoo openly shares its research samples and scientific results. “The Zoo has an open access format as it is not trying to make a profit,” Dr. Ryder explains “but instead creates a community of concern that will help preserve biodiversity.” On any given day in the Genetics Division at the Beckman Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, a variety of research tools and analyses are being employed, targeting issues involved in endangered species conservation. Some members of the Genetics team are looking at research questions related to genetic diversity; others are looking at questions of paternity and genetic relatedness. There are also researchers dedicated to growing cells for the Frozen Zoo collection and others that are actively working in the field to collect genetic samples.

The animal world will always hold mysteries that no amount of observation can explain. However, the creation of conservation genetics has unlocked the answers to some of these captivating secrets.

Lindsay- Careers Team

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