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> Humans already have really low genetic diversity when compared to chimps. Please elaborate why that matters; it was taught pretty early on in my bio major th
by Toast_ 11y ago
> Humans already have really low genetic diversity when compared to chimps.
Please elaborate why that matters; it was taught pretty early on in my bio major that ecosystem biodiversity is a positive, however, I haven't heard of anything relating directly to a species itself. Thanks.
- josinalvo 11y agoOne positive of genetic diversity is resistance to disease caused by virus and bacteria. A population too homogeneous can be destroyed by a disease in a way an heterogeneous population is not (and the infection also spreads faster) That is: in homogeneous populations either a disease can kill/infect everyone, or no one. So, when it hits, it hits hard (btw, this already happens with crops)
- Toast_ 11y agoThat's based on the supposition that a particular genetic resistance is already present in the population. My question was directed upon the 'chimps vs humans' quote, and how relative genetic diversity matters (given that we don't take part in incest), not on the principle on which the potato famine occurred.