Genetic Diversity and Adaptation

Genetic diversity refers to the variability of gene alleles in a population.
Genetic diversity allows natural selection to occur.
Random mutation can create new gene alleles.
Most mutations are harmful, but in specific situations, mutations can result in increased reproductive success.
Beneficial mutations, or alleles, get passed down to succeeding generations.
Over numerous generations, these advantageous alleles increase in frequency within the population.
There are different types of selection, such as directional selection (e.g. antibiotic resistance in bacteria) and stabilising selection (e.g. human birth weights.)
Natural selection results in species becoming better adapted to their environment through anatomical, physiological or behavioural changes.
Students need to understand and explain how selection impacts changes within a species population.
Students need to interpret data on how selection influences population changes.
Understanding adaptation and selection as driving factors in evolution and biodiversity is crucial for students.