alpopulatsioonid
Alpopulatsioonid, the Estonian term for subpopulations, refer to groups of individuals within a larger population that exhibit distinct genetic, phenotypic, or behavioral characteristics. In biological and ecological research, the concept is vital for understanding how genetic diversity is structured across spatial scales. Subpopulations may arise through geographic isolation, ecological niche differentiation, or social segregation, and they often maintain some level of gene flow with neighboring groups. When isolation extends over many generations, introgression or complete reproductive isolation can occur, leading to speciation.
Genetic studies of alpopulatsioonid frequently employ markers such as microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms, or mitochondrial DNA
In conservation biology, assessing subpopulation structure helps prioritize protected areas. Management plans may aim to preserve