This defintion is one of four of the components that are described as making up marine biodiversity.
Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic composition among individuals of a population, a species, an assemblage, or a community. Diversity on a genetic level is a reflection of the similarities and differences in the genes (segments of DNA on chromosomes) of individuals. These variations can evolve as a result of many different processes, such as mutation, and physical or behavioral isolation of populations.
Although genetic diversity is not always obvious, it is extremely important as it is a requisite for evolutionary adaptation to a changing environment. The greater the variation among individuals within a species, the greater the likelihood that some will be able to adapt to different environmental conditions and that the species will survive major changes in their surroundings, such as global warming.
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