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This exercise is intended to provide students with a real-world example of how museum specimens can provide additional context to challenges and considerations in the broader field of applied conservation genomics. After a brief introduction to the study system—the conservation status of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)—students will be asked to review an open-access, peer-reviewed publication that features samples from varied museum, archaeological, and paleontological contexts. Through reading the guide and discussion questions, students will reflect upon study design, concepts, and challenges presented at the intersection between the fields of conservation genomics and museum-based studies. The exercise ends with students breaking down the research into the main components (e.g., research question, independent and dependent variables, hypotheses, predictions) to set a structure for critically reading other scientific studies or designing their own research question. 

To address the challenges of sampling endangered or extinct species in the field, many studies have turned to historically underutilized sources of genetic material: natural history museums. Despite the fact that DNA from specimens collected decades or even hundreds of years ago is often fragmented and degraded, research has shown that historical DNA can still be used effectively to infer phylogenetic relationships and intra-specific patterns of population genetic structure. This synthesis aims to provide students and conservation practitioners with a solid understanding of the methodological strategies needed to apply genetic tools to natural history museum specimens. Specifically, we offer clear definitions and essential considerations for designing a conservation genomics project that includes both modern and historical samples. We recommend that instructors use this synthesis to introduce the foundational knowledge required for two companion exercises: “The Application of Conservation Museomics Approaches to the Protection of the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)” and “Designing a Conservation Genetics Project Incorporating DNA from Museum Specimens.” 

This exercise is intended to provide students with a real-world example of how museum specimens can provide additional context to challenges and considerations in the broader field of applied conservation genomics. After a brief introduction to the study system—the conservation status of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)—students will be asked to review an open-access, peer-reviewed publication that features samples from varied museum, archaeological, and paleontological contexts. Through reading the guide and discussion questions, students will reflect upon study design, concepts, and challenges presented at the intersection between the fields of conservation genomics and museum-based studies. The exercise ends with students breaking down the research into the main components (e.g., research question, independent and dependent variables, hypotheses, predictions) to set a structure for critically reading other scientific studies or designing their own research question. 

Poster Presentation 

Podium Presentation 

Invited podium presentation to the symposium "Diversifying perspectives: A new ethic for primatology." 

Invited podium presentation to the symposium "Diversifying perspectives: A new ethic for primatology"