Question

Differentiate between the following:

Genetic and Species diversity

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Genetic Diversity	Species Diversity
Meaning	Genetic diversity refers to genetic variations within a species.	Species diversity refers to the variety of species present within a region.
Level of variation	It describes differences among individuals or populations of the same species.	It describes differences among the species found in a region.
Basis of measurement	It is based on variations in alleles, gene combinations and chromosomal recombinations.	It is assessed using species richness, evenness or abundance, and taxonomic diversity.
Example	India has more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and more than 1,000 varieties of mangoes.	The Western Ghats have greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats.
Importance	It helps populations adapt to environmental changes and provides variation on which natural selection can act.	It contributes to ecosystem productivity, stability and the variety of organisms in a region.