Genetic diversity refers to the changes that occur in the nucleotides, genes, chromosomes, or in the whole genomes of organisms. It necessitates looking at the genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species which is not in the case of genetic variability, which details the tendency of genetic characteristics to vary. Mutations are the changes that take place in the genetic sequence, and they are the principal cause of diversity among organisms. The changes happen at many different levels. They can have widely differing results or effects. In biological modes that have the ability to reproduce, it is a must to focus on their heritability as some mutations impact only the individual that carries them, whereas others affect all of the carrier organism’s progeny. Mutations must happen in cells that produce the posterity in order to affect an organism's descendants and impact the hereditary substance. Eventually, the interaction between inherited mutations and environmental pressures generates diversity among species.
Sexual reproduction enhances genetic variation in offspring. This in turn increases the genetic diversities in species. The process of sexual reproduction involves two parents, each contributing one gamete. Meiosis is a process by which gametes are produced. It starts by the doubling of the chromosomes, which is followed by two rounds of cell divisions and reduces to half of the chromosome number. Recombination is the most important feature of meiosis where the exchange of chromosome pieces occurs in the first division of this process. It is otherwise known as crossing over. Recombination is the most important origin of genetic variation between individuals of sexually reproducing species, and also the operating force for the process of natural selection.
Sometimes a species has low or high levels of genetic variation. The effect of environmental change in the ecosphere concerns biologists, conservationists, environmentalists, and certain informed citizens. Organisms cannot decide for an environmental change on their own. The more variation that occurs in a population, they will be better adapted to change when it happens. It should also be noted that the level of genetic variation within a population is powerful. It reflects an ever-changing balance between both the random and nonrandom processes, which remove variation. Sometimes, non random process can overcome the random thus leading to low levels of variation that cannot be restored over ecological time scales.
Researchers bring it to light that variation arises through mutation and recombination, and acknowledge that natural selection can eliminate variation from a population. Scientists are conscious of the truth that real life populations are finite. These factors also lead to an unceasing loss of variation which is a process referred to as genetic drift.
Works Cited
Loewe, Laurence. "Genetic mutation." nature.com. N.p., 2008. Web. 18 Dec. 2013.
Frankham, Richardson. "Conservation Biology." onlinelibrary.wiley.com. N.p., 19 Jan 2002. Web. 18 Dec 2013.
