What is genetic diversity?

genetic diversity is a variation of hereditary characteristics present in the population of the same kind. This serves an important role in evolution by allowing the species to adapt to the new environment and fight parasites. It can be used for domesticated species that usually have a low level of genetic diversity. The study of genetic diversity in humans can help scientists shape theory for human origin.

Live things contain basic instructions or plans for their own development. Many of these instructions called genes result in physical properties that affect the way organisms interact with their environment. Changes in such characteristics in the same species lead to genetic diversity. In order to adapt to the constantly changing ecosystem, a significant level of variation must be present. Those individuals who have favorable properties will be reproduced, while those who do not have to pass on their properties to many descendants.

domestThe species often have low levels of genetic diversity. This is due to artificial selection or preferential breeding of crops and animals for the qualities that people consider more advantageous. Although it can have positive short -term results, such as richer harvest, low genetic diversity among domesticated species is risks. The newly developed virus or bacteria can attack the population of almost identical organisms very quickly. This scenario is lost protection, which genetic diversity generally offers in wild populations.

Irish famine of potatoes between 1845 and 1852 was caused by a parasite attacking a large population of almost identical potatoes. The parasite was a water mold called phytopthora infestans . This famine caused the Ireland population, which was widely dependent on food for food, decrease by 20 to 25 percent.

Human geneticThe diversity usually varies depending on the geographical position of the population. This led biologists and anthropologists to study these levels of diversity in an effort to understand human origin. For example, it has been found that the level of genetic diversity in Africa is higher than in many areas of the world. Scientists have developed models of human origin from these evidence. One such example is the recent model outside Africa, which suggests that modern people have a common origin in Africa.

Biodiversity refers to the level of variations of all living things in the ecosystem. The importance of biodiversity for the ecosystem is the analogous importance of genetic diversity for the population. Both forms of diversity contribute to the health and robustness of a larger system. When these diversity levels decrease, both systems are less able to adapt to the changing environment.