Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a population or species. It is crucial for the long-term survival and adaptation of organisms because it allows for greater resilience against environmental changes.
Related terms
Gene Pool: The total collection of genes present in a population at any given time.
Allele Frequency: The proportion or percentage at which specific alleles occur within a population's gene pool.
Bottleneck Effect: A sudden reduction in population size that leads to decreased genetic diversity due to the loss of certain alleles.