GENETIC ECOLOGY - A NEW INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE, FUNDAMENTAL FOR EVOLUTION, BIODIVERSITY AND BIOSAFETY EVALUATIONS

Genetic ecology is the extension of our modern knowledge in molecular genetics to studies of viability, gene expression and gene movements i n natural environments like soils, aquifers and digestive tracts. In s uch milieux, the horizontal transfer of plasmid-borne genes between ph ylogenetically distant species has already been found to be much more frequent than had been expected from laboratory experience. For the st udy of exchanges involving chromosomally-located genes, more has to be learned about the behaviour of transposons in such environments. The results expected from studies in genetic ecology are relevant for cons iderations of evolution, biodiversity and biosafety. The role of this new field of research in restoring popular confidence in science and i n its biotechnological applications is stressed.