โ™ป๏ธap environmental science review

Genetic variation

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

The diversity of alleles and genetic traits within a population; specialist species typically have less genetic variation due to smaller population sizes, reducing their ability to adapt.

AP course connection

Topic 2.1: 2.1 Introduction to Biodiversity

Unit 2