Genetic diversity
Topic: Biodiversity and its Conservation · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 14 "Biodiversity and Conservation"
Meaning
Genetic diversity is the variation of genes within one species. Genes are the units passed from parents to young that shape traits such as height or colour. This variation is why no two people look exactly alike and why one crop has many varieties. It is needed for healthy breeding. It also lets a species adapt when its environment changes, because some individuals may carry genes that help them survive.
Example
The National Gene Bank at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, stores seeds of many crop varieties and their wild relatives. This keeps their genetic variety safe for future breeding.
Don't confuse with
- Species diversity: the variety of different species in an area. Genetic diversity is the variety within one species.
Related concepts
- Biodiversity
- Species
- Species diversity
- Ecosystem diversity
- Latitudinal diversity gradient
- Endemic species
- Importance of biodiversity
- Ecosystem services
- Agro-biodiversity