What is the primary purpose of genetic mapping?

The primary purpose of genetic mapping is to determine the location of genes on chromosomes and their distances from each other. This process involves creating a map that illustrates the arrangement of genes, which helps researchers understand the genetic architecture of an organism. By identifying the positions of genes, scientists can analyze how traits are inherited, study genetic variation within populations, and locate genes that may influence specific diseases or traits.

This mapping is crucial in various fields, including genetics, agriculture, veterinary science, and evolutionary biology. It serves as a foundational tool for further genetic research, such as linkage analysis and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, which are essential for breeding programs and improving species.

The other options do not directly address the core function of genetic mapping: discovering new species focuses more on taxonomy and systematics rather than gene location; sequencing an entire genome is a separate endeavor aimed at understanding the complete genetic makeup of an organism; altering gene sequences pertains to genetic engineering rather than mapping and positioning genes within chromosomes.