Question:
Gradual loss of genetic diversity within a species is referring to _____________.
Gradual loss of genetic diversity within a species is referring to _____________.
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Erosion means wearing away. Just as soil erosion wears away the topsoil, genetic erosion gradually wears away the genetic variations within a gene pool.
Updated On: Jul 21, 2026
- Extinction
- Genetic erosion
- Genetic drift
- Endemism
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Genetic diversity within a species is crucial for its adaptation and long-term survival.
When specific alleles or genes are lost from a population over time, the overall gene pool shrinks.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The gradual loss of genetic diversity, unique genes, or alleles within a species or population is defined as Genetic erosion.
In forestry, genetic erosion is often caused by:
- Habitat fragmentation.
- Over-exploitation of elite trees.
- Conversion of diverse natural forests into monoculture plantations.
- Severe population bottleneck events.
Let us analyze the other terms:
- Extinction: This is the complete and permanent disappearance of an entire species from Earth, which is the final stage of population decline, not the gradual loss of internal genetic diversity.
- Genetic drift: This is a random process of sampling that changes allele frequencies, which can *cause* genetic erosion, but it is the mechanism of change rather than the term for the loss of diversity itself.
- Endemism: This is the ecological state of a species being native and restricted to a specific geographic region.
Hence, the gradual loss of genetic diversity is known as genetic erosion.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Gradual loss of genetic diversity within a species refers to Genetic erosion.
Genetic diversity within a species is crucial for its adaptation and long-term survival.
When specific alleles or genes are lost from a population over time, the overall gene pool shrinks.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The gradual loss of genetic diversity, unique genes, or alleles within a species or population is defined as Genetic erosion.
In forestry, genetic erosion is often caused by:
- Habitat fragmentation.
- Over-exploitation of elite trees.
- Conversion of diverse natural forests into monoculture plantations.
- Severe population bottleneck events.
Let us analyze the other terms:
- Extinction: This is the complete and permanent disappearance of an entire species from Earth, which is the final stage of population decline, not the gradual loss of internal genetic diversity.
- Genetic drift: This is a random process of sampling that changes allele frequencies, which can *cause* genetic erosion, but it is the mechanism of change rather than the term for the loss of diversity itself.
- Endemism: This is the ecological state of a species being native and restricted to a specific geographic region.
Hence, the gradual loss of genetic diversity is known as genetic erosion.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Gradual loss of genetic diversity within a species refers to Genetic erosion.
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