File:Human_karyotype.svg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
genetic diversity
Sign in to savetotal number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species
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A graphical representation of the typical human karyotype. Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It ranges widely, from the number of species to differences within species, and can be correlated to the span of survival for a species. It is distinguished from genetic variability, which describes the tendency of genetic characteristics to vary.
Genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environments. With more variation, it is more likely that some individuals in a population will possess variations of alleles that are suited for the environment. Those individuals are more likely to survive to produce offspring bearing that allele. The population will continue for more generations because of the success of these individuals.