Genetic Diversity

Picture of Genetic Diversity In Peas

Genetic Diversity comprises not only the individual genetic variation within a population, but also the genetic variation between populations that is often associated with adaptations to local conditions. If one population becomes extinct, then a species may have lost some of the genetic diversity that makes microevolution possible. The loss of genetic diversity throughout the biosphere also has implications for human welfare. For example, if we lose wild populations of plants closely related to agricultural species, we lose genetic resources that could be potentially used to improve certain crop qualities, such as disease resistance, through plant breeding.