Biodiversity Measurements: Genetic Diversity

Definition

• Biodiversity encompasses various aspects, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Genetic Diversity

• Genetic diversity refers to the variability in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population or species.
• It involves differences in the number and frequency of alleles of specific genes.

Significance of Genetic Diversity

• Genetic diversity is crucial because it contributes to a species' ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
• If a population of a species becomes extinct, it can result in the loss of genetic diversity for that species.

Example

• Consider a population of a species represented by different coloured circles, each representing a different allele.
• The number and frequency of these alleles determine the genetic diversity within that population.

---

Biodiversity Measurements: Genetic Diversity

Impact of Loss of Genetic Diversity

• If a population dies out, the species may lose some of its genetic diversity.
• Reduced genetic diversity can limit the species' capacity to adapt, making it vulnerable to environmental changes.