Describing Biodiversity Several things influence the genetic diversity of a population Mutations are changes in the genetic information of an organism Migration of individuals of a species from one population to another alters the genetic diversity of a population Sexual reproduction generates new genetic combinations superior to those of other members of the population Population size is a very important factor related to genetic diversity Selective breeding eliminates undesirable characteristics and selects for desirable onesDescribing Biodiversity • Several things influence the genetic diversity of a population – Mutations Mutations are changes in the genetic information of an organism. – Migration Migration of individuals of a species from one population to another alters the genetic diversity of a population. – Sexual reproduction Sexual reproduction generates new genetic combinations superior to those of other members of the population. – Population size Population size is a very important factor related to genetic diversity. – Selective breeding Selective breeding eliminates undesirable characteristics and selects for desirable ones