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Genetic Diversity Paper

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What is Genetics Diversity? Genetic diversity in a population is the genetic variability in the genotype of species. It serves as a way for a population to adapt to an evolving environment because more variation allows species to survive in natural selection (“Introduction To Genetic Diversity,” n.d.). This can be assessed in various ways such as counting the allele frequency per loci, using chi-square to analyze “the differences among loci and breed,” testing for “Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium” between gene and genotype frequencies and calculating the average heterozygosity (“Measuring Genetic Diversity,” 2011, p23-25). Also, measuring the nucleotide diversity in a population is not only another way of assessing genetic diversity but it allows researchers to determine the causative …show more content…

By comparing the single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and examining the genetic sequence within a population, researchers can determine if the genetic diversity is caused by natural selection or mutation (Kawabe et al., 2014). As mentioned above, genetic diversity is caused by many factors such as mutations, natural selection, genetic drift and migration (PCG-Denver, 2006). Mutations change the nucleotides in DNA sequence through radiation, chemicals or error during DNA replication while natural selection allows organisms with the fitted allele to survive and spread (“What is Genetic Diversity?” n.d.). In addition, genetic drift changes the gene of a population over time which may lead to loss of beneficial genes and migration enhances gene flow as genes are transferred among populations (Star, B. & Spencer, H. G., 2013). Thus, genetic diversity may be detrimental or beneficial, but it is important for its occurrence because it helps regulate the lifespan of a population by providing gene resistance to diseases and environmental pressures (“What

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