About the book
All living beings including viruses carry genetic materials important for their functions, life processes and production of new offspring. As the nature of DNA molecules is to tolerate limited changes, this led to great genetic diversity found on Earth. The main evolutionary mechanisms such as mutation, natural selection and genetic drift have produced a vast variation of organisms which ended in the formation of many well-defined organisms with different levels of performance. The knowledge of the genetic polymorphism and process that underlies the origins and maintenance of the organisms has crucial importance to provide critical insights into the structure and dynamics of living populations. Genetic polymorphism is essential for populations to evolve and cope with environmental changes, new diseases and pest epidemics. Genetic polymorphisms also provide the opportunity for tracing the history of populations, species, and their ancestors. Detailed knowledge of genetic polymorphisms within populations is very important for understanding and improving traits of concern.
The aim of this book is to bring together the general scientific knowledge about genetic polymorphisms and genetic variations and their possible applications in animals, plants, bacteria, archaea and other organisms like viruses.
