What is the role of genetic diversity in species survival?

Genetic diversity plays a crucial role in the survival and adaptability of species. When a population exhibits a high level of genetic diversity, it possesses a broader range of traits that can help individuals cope with changing environmental conditions and challenges such as diseases, climate change, and habitat loss. This variability gives a population a greater chance of having some individuals with advantageous traits that can thrive under new circumstances.

Enhanced adaptability means that the population is more resilient and can better withstand pressures that might otherwise lead to extinction. For example, if a disease threatens a population, those individuals with genetic resistance are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their resilient traits to the next generation. This process is essential for the long-term survival of species, particularly in dynamic and changing ecosystems. Thus, increased genetic diversity strengthens a population's overall health and ability to navigate environmental changes over time.