Biodiversity Conservation And Wild Life Question 126
Question: What is genetic diversity?
Options:
A) The total genetic information contained within all individuals of species.
B) The total phenotypic information contained within all individuals of a species.
C) The variety of life-forms on Earth.
D) The variety of biotic communities in a region along with abiotic components.
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Answer:
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Genetic diversity refers to the total genetic information contained within all individuals of a species, option A.
It is a level of biodiversity that refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of 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.
The other options are not accurate definitions of genetic diversity:
B) The total phenotypic information contained within all individuals of a species: This is not correct.
Phenotypic information refers to the physical and physiological traits of an organism, which are determined by its genetic makeup and environmental influences.
C) The variety of life-forms on Earth: This refers to biodiversity, not specifically genetic diversity.
D) The variety of biotic communities in a region along with abiotic components: This refers to ecosystem diversity, not specifically genetic diversity.
BETA
