What does it mean?
Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genetic characteristics/traits within a single species. Each individual within a species have their own particular genetic composition. They have variations in their phenotype. Each one’s traits is unique in terms of size, colour, height, body weight and skin colour. |
Genetic Diversity is Important to the Survival of Species.
Genetic diversity is important to the survival of a species because particular variations in their phenotype may give individuals a higher chance of survival to their environment than others. If this individual survives, they are likely to live longer, reproduce and pass down that advantageous gene variation to their many offspring, which will also give them an increased chance of survival. Overall, if an individual has a beneficial genetic variation due to genetic diversity, they will have an increase of survival within their particular environment.
Individuals who have variations in their phenotype that did not benefit them in any way are likely to die early, not reproduce and ultimately, not pass on the non-beneficial gene variation. Their gene variation did not give any advantages for their survival in their environment and those who had a beneficial gene variation will out-live them.
Individuals who have variations in their phenotype that did not benefit them in any way are likely to die early, not reproduce and ultimately, not pass on the non-beneficial gene variation. Their gene variation did not give any advantages for their survival in their environment and those who had a beneficial gene variation will out-live them.