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One 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
by josinalvo 11y ago
One 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.