Genomic Offsets

Genomic offsets refer to how much an organism's current genes are mismatched with new environmental conditions, such as climate change. They quantify the genetic difference between an organism's existing adaptation and what would be optimal under future conditions. A higher offset indicates a greater mismatch, suggesting the organism may struggle to thrive without genetic change or adaptation. This concept helps researchers assess the potential impact of environmental shifts on species and inform conservation or management strategies to support their resilience.