What Is Genetic Diversity Definition Causes Types and Examples
Various plants and animals inhabit an ecosystem. This variety in the various life forms living in an ecosystem is called biodiversity. Furthermore, biodiversity has different levels, which are - species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. The genetic make-up of every individual is different. And this is determined by the genes or heredity. Genes evolve over a period depending upon the environmental conditions and help individuals and communities survive the stressful conditions and reproduce to keep the species going. Thus, genetic diversity is a means by which the population adapts to changing environments.
We will study more about genetic diversity and its aspects in this chapter.
What is Genetic Diversity?
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Genetic diversity indicates a greater number of genetically different individuals within the same species. It is the way by which a population of organisms survives the changing environments. More genetic variation suggests a greater number of individuals with a variety of alleles that help sustain the organisms in the changing environment. These individuals most often produce offspring with the same alleles. In a generation when such genetically evolved individuals succeed to survive, they also let the continuation of their species.
Some Attributes of Genetic Diversity
It occurs as a result of gene recombination in the process of inheritance.
Genetic diversity changes with space and time.
One of the key aspects of genetic diversity in sexual reproduction because it produces unique offspring by a combination of parental genes.
Gene mutation, genetic drift, gene flow also lead to genetic diversity.
Significance of Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity helps individuals of the species adapt to stressful environmental conditions. It gives the individuals the capacity and physical attributes to adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions, resistance to diseases, and so on.
Our environment goes through a series of changes because of human interventions and natural factors. The species have to adjust to this change to survive. Naturally, it gives rise to natural selection and goes by the theory of survival of the fittest. Which means, the individuals susceptible to the changing environment will perish and the ones with the capability to adapt will survive it. So genetic diversity produces a variety of individuals that can survive and continue the species.
It helps maintain different varieties of genes and healthy populations with individuals resistant to a variety of stress like diseases, pests, or other conditions.
It enables farmers to grow new varieties of plants by cross-breeding genetically different variants. This produces plants that have desirable traits like disease-resistant plants or plants that can withstand climatic stress. It also includes a plant that can survive with a very less amount of water and so on.
Undesirable inherited traits can be avoided by making use of genetic diversity.
Genetic diversity ensures the continuity of species and that all the individuals of the species do not perish.
Examples of Genetic Diversity
Different plant breeds are crossbred to get the desired trait in a particular plant.
Humans have created dog breeds by selective breeding.
Coyotes are naturally evolved generalist species adaptive to an array of environments.
Varieties of plants like medicinal plants are obtained by interbreeding of plant species.
Conservation of Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity gets hampered when genes are lost. These lost genes might have beneficial alleles and losing them may pose a threat to the survival of species. Therefore, the conservation of genetic diversity is important. It is a crucial measure to preserve human health and save plant and animal species from extinction.
Moreover, we may be able to grow a genetically diverse species to withstand the calamities of nature and diseases with the help of genetic diversity.
Methods to Conserve Genetic Diversity
In Situ Conservation- It is not possible to conserve whole genetic biodiversity at once. Therefore, certain hotspots are recognized and conservation measures are implied to protect the endemic species whose survival is threatened at a particular habitat. Or, species at a higher risk of getting extinct are also conserved. These hotspots include wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, animal reserves, etc.
Ex Situ Conservation- In this type of conservation, endangered species of plants and animals are taken out from their habitat and are kept in a specially engineered setting that allows extra care and protection, takes away the chances of more animal killing by predation or poaching. This includes a zoo, botanical gardens, etc. Ex-situ conservation also includes the following:
In vitro fertilization of eggs, tissue culture techniques to rear endangered plant and animal species in lab conditions and relieving them in the wild when they are strong enough to sustain on their own.
Cryopreservation, where gametes from endangered species are preserved in viable conditions for a longer period.
Gene library where a collection of cloned genes that are big enough to contain a copy of every gene of an individual of a particular species is kept. It is a collection of total genomic DNA from one organism.
How to Learn the Concept of Genetic Diversity?
You will need a few sessions to fully understand Genetic Diversity. Only after proper revision, will you be able to memorize and understand the genetic diversity. Vedantu will make it much easier for you. We provide you with accurate and high-quality study materials curated by subject experts to help you in your studies and prepare for the exam. With Vedantu, you can learn everything about Genetic Diversity in simple language. Besides Vedantu, below are some important tips to help you study this concept:
Before you start learning Genetic Diversity, make sure to gather all the study materials you can so that you do not miss any important information.
Go through the genetic diversity thoroughly and do not skip any part of the topic.
Start making revision notes when you are studying Genetic Diversity for the first time. These revision notes will come in handy when you want to take a quick glance at the important information related to the concept.
You should start learning about Genetic Diversity with your textbook as it provides you with detailed explanations to every subtopic covered in the concept.
Once you have learned everything about Genetic Diversity, you should start answering the questions and problems given in your textbooks and reference books to test what you have learned.
Before your exam, you should use sample papers and previous year question papers of biology to understand the patterns on difficult levels of questions based on Genetic Diversity.
You can watch video lessons based on Genetic Diversity on youtube or any other platform to get a better understanding of the concept.
Why Should You Learn about Genetic Diversity?
You have to learn about Genetic Diversity for many reasons. This concept gives you deep insight into the life of different species. With Genetic Diversity, you can learn how different species adapt, evolve, and reproduce in different environmental conditions. Here are some other reasons why you should learn about Genetic Diversity:
Genetic Diversity- Genetic Diversity is an important concept of biology, carrying a significant amount of marking distributions. By learning this topic, you can score high in your biology exam.
By learning about Genetic Diversity- You can understand the different methods of conservation of species.
With Genetic Diversity- You will get a better understanding of how species adapt and procreate in both dynamic and static environments.
FAQs on Genetic Diversity in Populations and Species
1. What is genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity is the total variety of genes and alleles present within a population or species. It refers to differences in DNA sequences among individuals.
- It arises from variations in DNA sequences.
- It leads to differences in traits such as size, color, or disease resistance.
- It is a key component of overall biodiversity.
2. Why is genetic diversity important?
Genetic diversity is important because it increases a population’s ability to adapt and survive in changing environments. Populations with greater variation are less vulnerable to extinction.
- Enhances adaptation through natural selection.
- Reduces the risk of widespread disease outbreaks.
- Improves long-term evolutionary survival.
3. How does genetic diversity arise?
Genetic diversity arises through mutations, genetic recombination, and gene flow between populations. These processes introduce new alleles or new combinations of alleles.
- Mutation: Random changes in DNA create new alleles.
- Genetic recombination: Crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis reshuffle genes.
- Gene flow: Movement of individuals between populations introduces new genetic material.
4. What is the difference between genetic diversity and biodiversity?
Genetic diversity refers to variation in genes within a species, while biodiversity refers to the variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. Genetic diversity is one level of biodiversity.
- Genetic diversity: Variation in alleles within a population.
- Species diversity: Variety of different species in an area.
- Ecosystem diversity: Variety of habitats and ecological processes.
5. What are examples of genetic diversity in humans?
Examples of genetic diversity in humans include differences in blood type, skin color, and lactose tolerance. These variations result from differences in alleles.
- ABO blood groups are determined by different alleles of a single gene.
- Skin pigmentation varies due to genes controlling melanin production.
- Lactose tolerance depends on variants of the lactase gene.
6. How is genetic diversity measured?
Genetic diversity is measured by analyzing differences in DNA sequences and allele frequencies within a population. Scientists use molecular and statistical methods.
- Allele frequency comparisons.
- Heterozygosity levels within individuals.
- DNA markers such as microsatellites or SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms).
7. What causes low genetic diversity in a population?
Low genetic diversity is caused by inbreeding, population bottlenecks, and genetic drift in small populations. These factors reduce variation in alleles.
- Inbreeding: Mating between closely related individuals increases homozygosity.
- Bottleneck effect: Sudden reduction in population size limits genetic variation.
- Genetic drift: Random loss of alleles in small populations.
8. What is the bottleneck effect in genetic diversity?
The bottleneck effect is a sharp reduction in genetic diversity caused by a sudden decrease in population size. Only a small number of individuals contribute genes to future generations.
- Occurs due to natural disasters, disease, or human activity.
- Leads to reduced allele variation.
- Can result in long-term genetic weakness.
9. How does natural selection affect genetic diversity?
Natural selection affects genetic diversity by increasing beneficial alleles and reducing harmful ones in a population. It changes allele frequencies over time.
- Favors traits that improve fitness and survival.
- May reduce diversity if one allele becomes dominant.
- Can maintain diversity through balancing selection.
10. Can genetic diversity prevent extinction?
Genetic diversity can reduce the risk of extinction by increasing a population’s ability to adapt to environmental changes. Populations with more variation are more resilient.
- Improves resistance to diseases.
- Enhances adaptability to climate change.
- Reduces harmful effects of inbreeding depression.
