Genetic Diversity - Survival and Adaptation

Survival and Adaptation

Genetic diversity plays an important role in the survival and adaptability of a species. When a populations habitat changes, the population may have to adapt to survive; "the ability of populations to cope with this challenge depends on their capacity to adapt to their changing environment" . variation in the populations gene pool provides variable traits among the individuals of that population. These variable traits can be selected for, via natural selection; ultimately leading to an adaptive change in the population, allowing it to survive in the changed environment. If a population of a species has a very diverse gene pool then there will be more variability in the traits of individuals of that population and consequently more traits for natural selection to act upon to select the fittest individuals to survive.

High genetic diversity is also essential for a species to evolve. Species that have less genetic variation are at a greater risk. With very little gene variation within the species, healthy reproduction becomes increasingly difficult, and offspring are more likely to deal with problems such as inbreeding. The vulnerability of a population to certain types of diseases can also increase with reduction in genetic diversity.