Difference between revisions of "Genetic diversity"

From MarineSpecies Introduced Traits Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m
(4 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
This defintion is one of four of the components that are described as making up diversity in the [[marine environment]].  
+
This defintion is one of four of the components that are described as making up [[Marine Biodiversity|marine biodiversity]].  
  
 
[[Image:genetic.jpg|right|<ref>http://www.meshtechnologies.com/graph/dna_helix</ref>|frame]]
 
[[Image:genetic.jpg|right|<ref>http://www.meshtechnologies.com/graph/dna_helix</ref>|frame]]
  
<ref name="Marbef">http://www.marbef.org</ref>Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic composition among individuals of a population, a species, an assemblage, or a community. Diversity on a genetic level is a reflection of the similarities and differences in the genes (segments of DNA on chromosomes) of individuals. These variations can evolve as a result of many different processes, such as mutation, and physical or behavioral isolation of populations.
+
<ref name="Marbef">http://www.marbef.org</ref>Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic composition among individuals of a [[population]], a [[species]], an assemblage, or a community. Diversity on a genetic level is a reflection of the similarities and differences in the genes (segments of DNA on chromosomes) of individuals. These variations can evolve as a result of many different processes, such as mutation, and physical or behavioral isolation of populations.
  
Although genetic diversity is not always obvious, it is extremely important as it is a requisite for evolutionary adaptation to a changing environment. The greater the variation among individuals within a species, the greater the likelihood that some will be able to adapt to different environmental conditions and that the species will survive major changes in their surroundings, such as global warming.
+
Although genetic diversity is not always obvious, it is extremely important as it is a requisite for [[evolution]]ary adaptation to a changing environment. The greater the variation among individuals within a species, the greater the likelihood that some will be able to adapt to different environmental conditions and that the species will survive major changes in their surroundings, such as global warming.
  
  
Line 17: Line 17:
 
|AuthorFullName=Sohier, Charlotte
 
|AuthorFullName=Sohier, Charlotte
 
|AuthorName=Charlotte}}
 
|AuthorName=Charlotte}}
 +
[[Category: Genetic biodiversity]]

Revision as of 12:31, 6 October 2009

This defintion is one of four of the components that are described as making up marine biodiversity.

[2]Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic composition among individuals of a population, a species, an assemblage, or a community. Diversity on a genetic level is a reflection of the similarities and differences in the genes (segments of DNA on chromosomes) of individuals. These variations can evolve as a result of many different processes, such as mutation, and physical or behavioral isolation of populations.

Although genetic diversity is not always obvious, it is extremely important as it is a requisite for evolutionary adaptation to a changing environment. The greater the variation among individuals within a species, the greater the likelihood that some will be able to adapt to different environmental conditions and that the species will survive major changes in their surroundings, such as global warming.


References

The main author of this article is Sohier, Charlotte
Please note that others may also have edited the contents of this article.

Citation: Sohier, Charlotte (2009): Genetic diversity. Available from http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Genetic_diversity [accessed on 28-03-2024]