Genetic diversity — Science definition
The variety of genes and alleles within a population or species, which supplies the raw material for adapting to change.
Where it is taught
- Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services — Ecology, Populations & Biodiversity, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Genetic diversity is the variation in genes and alleles within a single population.
Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
Questions using genetic diversity
Problem 1
Which of these is an example of genetic diversity?
- The variety of alleles for coat color within a single wolf population
- The range of ecosystems found across a continent
- The total biomass of producers in a field
- The number of different bird species in a forest
Answer and explanation
The variety of alleles for coat color within a single wolf population
Genetic diversity is variation within a species or population, such as different coat-color alleles in one wolf population.
Problem 2
Explain how high genetic diversity within a species can make that species more likely to survive a new disease.
Answer and explanation
With many different alleles present, it is more likely that at least some individuals happen to carry genes that resist the disease. Those individuals survive and reproduce, so the population persists, whereas a genetically uniform population could be wiped out all at once.