Scientists Use DNA to Help Ecosystems Outrun Climate Change

Reading Nature's Genetic Playbook

Climate change is reshaping habitats faster than most species can naturally evolve to keep up. In response, a growing number of researchers are turning to conservation genomics, the practice of sequencing organisms' complete genetic blueprints, to identify the hardiest individuals and use that information to guide ecosystem restoration.

The approach involves mapping the full genome of a species, then pinpointing genetic variants linked to survival under stress, whether from heat, drought, disease, or shifting light conditions. Armed with that data, scientists can select the most resilient candidates for breeding or transplanting, giving restoration projects a better chance of lasting through decades of warming.

From Coral Reefs to Redwood Forests

The work spans a remarkable range of ecosystems. In coral reefs, researchers have analysed the genomes of corals and their symbiotic algae to identify colonies that naturally withstand higher ocean temperatures. A review published in March in Nature Reviews Biodiversity called for a major acceleration in coral assisted evolution research to keep pace with rapidly warming seas. Some teams are even developing coral probiotics using evolutionary genomics to boost thermal tolerance.

On land, the Redwood Genome Project has sequenced the genomes of coast redwood and giant sequoia, identifying dozens of genetic markers tied to drought tolerance and stress resistance. The coast redwood genome, nearly nine times the size of the human genome, is now the second-largest ever sequenced. Underwater, scientists at Scripps Oceanography and the Salk Institute have discovered a hybrid eelgrass whose circadian clock genes allow it to photosynthesise in low-light conditions, making it a promising candidate for coastal restoration.

The Limits of a Genetic Fix

Despite the promise, experts caution that genomic tools are not a cure-all. Engineering resilience in a single species does not guarantee the survival of the broader web of organisms that depend on it, and funding remains a major constraint.

A landmark study published in March in the journal Science tracked plant evolution across thirty global sites over three years. While populations with sufficient genetic diversity could adapt within just a few generations, those in the hottest environments showed chaotic genetic trajectories that preceded their extinction, revealing an evolutionary breaking point that even the most diverse gene pool may not overcome.