Variation of alleles within a species that enables adaptation and resilience.
Measured by heterozygosity, allelic richness and nucleotide diversity. Loss reduces ability to adapt and increases inbreeding. Crop genebanks maintain diversity.
Low diversity reduces adaptive potential and increases inbreeding depression. Conservation aims to keep diversity.
Remember: loss of diversity is often invisible until crisis.
Variation of alleles within a species that enables adaptation and resilience.
Genetic Diversity is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, Genetic Rescue.
Banana varieties are clones, making them vulnerable to Panama disease.
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Genetic Diversity. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Genetic Diversity are Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, Genetic Rescue, Minimum Viable Population. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Genetic Diversity. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
Genetic Diversity: Variation of alleles within a species that enables adaptation and resilience. Biodiversity: The variety of life at the level of genes, species and ecosystems. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Biodiversity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
The variety of life at the level of genes, species and ecosystems.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityThe scientific study and protection of biodiversity.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityIntroducing individuals from other populations to reverse inbreeding depression, as with Florida panthers.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityThe smallest population size with a high chance of long-term persistence.
🗂️ Taxonomy & Biodiversity