Genetic diversity
Definition of Genetic diversity:
variation at the DNA level within and among populations of a species[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. Genetic variation arises through mutation and recombination, while physical or behavioral isolation can cause populations to become genetically differentiated. 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 protect against inherited diseases caused by deleterious recessive alleles.
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 the main levels of Marine Biodiversity alongside 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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