Genetic Diversity

An understanding of the diversity of genes responsible for individual species' adaptations and responses to their environment (intraspecific diversity) is a foundation for understanding all ecological and evolutionary processes. Genetic diversity is the 'raw material' permitting species to adjust to a changing world, whether these changes are due to natural or human factors. The level of similarity (homogeneity) or difference (heterogeneity) in the genetic makeup (genome) of populations of the same species indicates to what extent genetic material can be exchanged between populations and still maintain a species-specific gene pool.

 

In turn, understanding the mechanisms by which genes are exchanged within a species can provide further insight into the role of sometimes geographically diverse populations in maintaining a species' genetic diversity, or in leading to the isolation and creation of distinctive new genomes and, potentially, species. Studies of genetic diversity within a species also has the potential to reveal that a single species, perhaps classified as such for morphological reasons, may in fact be two or more species.

 

Technological advances in food production and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on the natural genetic diversity of plants, animals, and micro-organisms. Advances in molecular biology have ensured we will see an acceleration in the use of genetic materials. Marine organisms have evolved complex chemical compounds and processes for defence and predation, especially soft-bodied benthic organisms which can neither flee from agressors or protect themsleves with hard structures, or for survival in extreme environments such as deep sea hydrothermal vents. These compounds, and the underlying genetic diversity, have tremendous potential economic importance that would be foreclosed by the loss of marine biodiversity.