Biology 9.1 Genetic Diversity

Genetic Diversity

• Proteins make an organsim different, DNA determines variety of proteins that make up each organism.
• Differences in DNA = genetic diversity.
• All members of the same species have same genes e.g. humans have gene for blood group.
• Type of group depends on alleles.
• Organisms differ in their alleles not their genes.
• Greater number of different alleles a species has = greater genetic diversity.
• Greater genetic diversity = species more likely to be able to adapt to environment change. 
• Wider range of alleles = wider range of characteristics.
• Greater probability that an individual will have characteristic that suits it to new environment.

Selective breeding

Also called artificial selection.

Individuals w/ desired characteristics used to parent next generation, offspring without desired characteristics prevented from breeding.

Variety of alleles deliberately restricted to breed unwanted alleles out of…