Usually, the range of characteristics within a species which, over evolutionary time, allow that species to respond to new features of its environment; sometimes refers to the variety both within and across species in a given area, or even worldwide

the diversity of genes present in a given population or species

differences in genetic makeup within a species.

The genetic variation that occurs within a population or species. For example, there are several different color dog whelk shells and ochre sea stars. See also biodiversity; compare ecosystem diversity, species diversity.

The genetic variability present in a population or in a species.

All of the genetic variation within a group. The genetic diversity of a species includes both genetic differences between individuals in a breeding population (=within-stock diversity) and genetic differences among different breeding populations (=among-stock diversity).

Variation at the genetic level, within and between species, including the different forms of genes for particular traits.

The variety of different genes occurring within a population or species. In most species, many different versions or "alleles" of a gene will exist in a population of different individuals. For example, in humans, everybody has a gene affecting eye colour, but the different versions of these genes give rise to variety in eye colour in the population.

Genetic variability found in a population of a species or all of the populations of a species. Also see biodiversity, ecosystem diversity, and species diversity.

variation at the level of individual genes which provides a mechanism for organisms and populations to adapt to an ever-changing environment

The sum of the actual or potential genetic information and variation contained in the genes of living individual organisms, populations or species.

the variety of genes within a particular species, variety or breed.

The differences or variations in the genetic traits found in a species and among different species

Français] The genetic variation present in a population or species. IPGRI, Diversity for Development

the range of genetic differences among individuals or groups of organisms.

The genetic diversity within a species is primarily the variety of populations that comprise it. Species reduced to a single population (like the California condor) generally contain less genetic diversity than those consisting of many populations.

Variation in the genetic composition of individuals within or among species; the heritable genetic variation within and among populations.

The variation of genes within a species. Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to changing conditions.

the infinite variation of possible genetic combinations among individuals that enables a species to adapt to changes in the environment.

variation among and within species that is attributable to differences in hereditary material.

Variation in the genetic composition between individuals, populations or species.

The variety of different types of genes in a species or population. Genetic diversity is really a form of biodiversity.

The range of genetic variability of a species that occurs throughout its population.

Variability in the genetic makeup among individuals within a single species. See biodiversity. Compare ecological diversity, functional diversity, species diversity.

The amount of inherited differences there are in a group of related individuals.

the variety of genetic materials within a single species of organism that permit the organism to adapt to changes in the environment.

the variety of different types of genes or alleles in a species or population

Genetic diversity is a characteristic of ecosystems and gene pools that describes an attribute which is commonly held to be advantageous for survival -- that there are many different versions of otherwise similar organisms. For example, the Irish potato famine can be attributed in part to the fact that the genetic distance of all potatoes in the country was very low, making it easier for one virus to infect and kill much of the crop.