Why Genetic Diversity Matters
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Objective
I can explain how genetic diversity contributes to the survival of a species.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Ecotasia · 7:06
We don't generate video — this one is by Ecotasia on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
A genetic bottleneck occurs when a population declines dramatically and recovers from only a few individuals.
- 2
Genetic diversity is important because it increases the likelihood that some individuals will have a mutation that is advantageous when the environment changes.
- 3
Besides selection, the other drivers of evolution are mutation, migration, and genetic drift.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
12 questions
What is a genetic bottleneck, and how did it affect the Chatham Island black robin population?
Why is genetic diversity important for the long-term survival of a species?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how genetic diversity helps a species survive when its environment changes.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
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Student Handout
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