Genetic viability

Genetic viability is the ability of the genes present to allow a cell, organism or population to survive and reproduce.

[3] In a small population, the risk of inbreeding will increase drastically which could lead to a decrease in genetic viability.

[14] These gray wolves have been experiencing severe inbreeding depression primarily determined by the homozygous expression of strongly deleterious recessive mutations leading to decreased genetic viability.

A separate inbred Scandinavian population of gray wolves (Canis lupus), also suffering from loss of genetic viability, is experiencing inbreeding depression likely due to the homozygous expression of deleterious recessive mutations.

[16] Reduced habitat fragmentation and increased landscape permeability can promote allelic richness by facilitating gene flow between populations that are isolated or smaller.

[19] Genetic viability is applied by wildlife management staff in zoos, aquariums or other such ex situ habitats.