Genetic diversity - conservation and assessment

Abstract

The biodiversity that we see around us is the outcome of natural evolution which has been going on for the last 3.5 billion years. However, with growing population and rapid modernization, the biodiversity is now getting depleted at an unprecedented rate. This paper examines some of the mechanisms by which the diversity, particularly at the genetic level, is maintained under natural conditions. It discusses the phenomenon of terminal extinction as well as strategies and policies for the conservation and assessment of genetic diversity.