It refers to the variation of genes within species. This covers distinct populations of the same species. Each member of any animal or plant species differs widely from other individuals in its genetic makeup. Eg: each human being is different from all others. Similarly coastal populations of shrimp are genetically different from freshwater
populations. This genetic variability is essential for a healthy breeding population of a species. If the number of breeding individuals is reduced, inbreeding occurs. This leads to genetic anomalies and gradually to the extinction of that particular species. The diversity in wild species forms the ‘gene pool’ from which our crops and domestic animals have been developed over thousands of years. Modern biotechnology manipulates genes to develop better types of medicines and a variety of industrial products.
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