Genetic diversity
Definition of Genetic diversity:
variation at the DNA level within species, which facilitates species adaptation and ecosystem function[1].
This is the common definition for Genetic diversity, other definitions can be discussed in the article
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Diversity on a genetic level is a reflection of the similarities and differences in the genes (segments of DNA on chromosomes) of individuals. These variations can evolve as a result of many different processes, such as mutation, and physical or behavioral isolation of populations. Genetic diversity covers the variation between individuals in a population and the differences between distinct populations of the same species. Counting alleles is common way to measure genetic diversity.
Heterozygosity, which occurs more commonly in genetically diverse populations, helps protecting against inherited diseases.
Although genetic diversity is not always obvious, it is extremely important as it is a requisite for evolutionary adaptation to a changing environment. The greater the variation among individuals within a species, the greater the likelihood that some will be able to adapt to different environmental conditions and that the species will survive major changes in their surroundings, such as global warming.
Genetic diversity is one of four of the components of Marine Biodiversity; the three other components are Ecosystem diversity, Species diversity and Functional diversity.
References
- ↑ Hoban, S., Bruford, M., D'Urban Jackson, J., Lopes-Fernandes, M., Heuertz, M., Hohenlohe, P.A., Paz-Vinas, I., Sjögren-Gulve, P., Segelbacher, G., Vernesi, C., Aitken, S., Bertola, L.D., Bloomer, P., Breed, M., Rodríguez-Correa, H., Chris Funk, W., Grueber, C.E., Hunter, M.E., Jaffe, R., Liggins, L.,. Mergeay, J., Moharrek, F., O'Brien, D., Ogden, R., Palma-Silva, C., Pierson, J., Ramakrishnan, U., Simo-Droissart, M., Tani, N., Waits, L. and Laikre, L. 2020. Genetic diversity targets and indicators in the CBD post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework must be improved. Biological Conservation 248, 108654
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