Genetic Diversity
- The range of genetic characteristics among a single species. Each species has its own genetic makeup and each organism carries unique genetic information
Importance of genetic diversity
Genetic
diversity is important because it helps maintain a healthy population, by including alleles able to resist diseases, pests and other stresses.
- In
a population that contains a large gene pool , there is greater genetic
diversity. As a result, there is a greater chance for species to flourish and
survive especially in times of change and challenges.
- A larger population that has a higher variability of
alleles has a greater chance to evolve and adapt to their new environment.
- This
is because in this population the members have traits that make them more resilient to environmental
changes.
- Related to Darwin’s theory of natural
selection where the fitter individuals pass on these favourable and beneficial
characteristics.
- BUT
=è in a small isolated population
breeding is restricted because there is a reduced choice of mates available to
breed with. Reproduction occurs with family members of the same population
(interbreeding).
- This
makes the genetic makeup of the individual more uniform and leads to
genetic flaws being increasingly
expressed in the population.
- This
population is weakened and the drop in genetic diversity can lead to
extinction.(permanent loss of species), because they are more vulnerable to
disease and changes.