9. Major Gene Pool Centers

Case Study 1: The Vavilov Centers and Global Crop Diversity

Geographical Thought & Perspectives:

• Centers of Origin Theory (Vavilov, 1926) – Identification of regions with high genetic diversity for crop species.
• Biogeographical Realms (Wallace, 1876) – Classification of global biodiversity zones.
• Anthropogenic Climate Change (IPCC, 1988–Present) – Human-induced disruptions in genetic diversity.

Models/Theories/Laws:

• Gene Pool Conservation Model – Strategies for preserving genetic diversity.
• Crop Domestication Model – Evolution of cultivated plants from wild relatives.
• Biodiversity Hotspot Model (Myers, 1988) – Identification of regions with high species richness.

Recent Data:

• Vavilov Centers: FAO recognizes 12 major gene pool centers, including the Mediterranean, Near East, and Andean regions.
• Genetic Resource Impact: Loss of wild relatives due to habitat destruction.
• Satellite Observations: ESA confirms changes in land use affecting genetic diversity.

Spatial Variation:

• Tropical Regions: High genetic diversity due to favorable climate.
• Temperate Regions: Moderate genetic diversity with specialized adaptations.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Genetic resource depletion observed since 2000.
• Future Projections: Expected worsening due to climate change.

Insight:

Vavilov Centers validate genetic conservation models, emphasizing the need for preserving crop diversity.

Case Study 2: Conservation of Wild Relatives in the Ethiopian Highlands

Geographical Thought & Perspectives:

• Centers of Origin Theory (Vavilov, 1926) – Identification of regions with high genetic diversity for crop species.
• Environmental Determinism (Semple, 1911) – Influence of climate on genetic diversity.
• Anthropogenic Climate Change (IPCC, 1988–Present) – Human-induced disruptions in genetic diversity.

Models/Theories/Laws:

• Gene Pool Conservation Model – Strategies for preserving genetic diversity.
• Crop Domestication Model – Evolution of cultivated plants from wild relatives.
• Biodiversity Hotspot Model (Myers, 1988) – Identification of regions with high species richness.

Recent Data:

• Ethiopian Highlands: Recognized as a major gene pool center for sorghum, millet, and coffee.
• Genetic Resource Impact: Loss of wild relatives due to habitat destruction.
• Satellite Observations: ESA confirms changes in land use affecting genetic diversity.

Spatial Variation:

• Highland Regions: High genetic diversity due to favorable climate.
• Lowland Areas: Moderate genetic diversity with specialized adaptations.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Genetic resource depletion observed since 2000.
• Future Projections: Expected worsening due to climate change.

Insight:

Conservation of wild relatives in Ethiopia validates genetic conservation models, emphasizing the need for preserving crop diversity.