The popularity of the TV show "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," as well as bestselling novels by Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, Jeffrey Deaver, and others underscores our ongoing fascination with the study of forensic science. But forensic science is not just limited to human DNA; indeed, it is equally important to a better understanding of wildlife populations and their diversity.
Some examples of forensic research by wildlife biologists include:
- Identification of illegally poached animals based upon hair and tissue samples. These samples can reveal the sex and species of the animal, and can be used to prosecute poachers.
- DNA fingerprinting of individual grizzly bears in Glacier National Park through DNA acquired from hair and scat samples. The resulting data reveals valuable data about each bear's unique genetic pattern, as well as sex and degree of relatedness.
- Analysis of medicinal herbs from Asia to detect the presence of endangered
plant species.
|