NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Genetic variation is the raw material of evolution. Without genetic variation, a population cannot evolve in response to changing environmental variables and, as a result, may face an increased risk of extinction.

Detailed explanation-2: -Genetic diversity generally underpins population resilience and persistence. Reductions in population size and absence of gene flow can lead to reductions in genetic diversity, reproductive fitness, and a limited ability to adapt to environmental change increasing the risk of extinction.

Detailed explanation-3: -If genetic diversity gets too low, species can go extinct and be lost forever. This is due to the combined effects of inbreeding depression and failure to adapt to change. In such cases, the introduction of new alleles can save a population.

Detailed explanation-4: -Loss of genetic diversity increases the risk of extinction of a population through inbreeding depression. In addition, the number of deleterious genetic variations, which might accumulate in a small population through genetic drift, can also make the population vulnerable.

Detailed explanation-5: -Maintaining high genetic diversity allows species to adapt to future environmental changes and avoid inbreeding. Inbreeding, which happens when there are small, isolated populations, can reduce a species’ ability to survive and reproduce.