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Overall Biodiversity allows life on Earth to be more resilient and resistant to adverse conditions,
but also to evolve, whenever needed.

Genetic Diversity: The Hidden Secret of Life – Convention on Biological Diversity

Levels of Biodiversity

Genetic diversity

Variety of genes genetic variants within a specie, which translates in individuals with diverse
traits. As species population decreases, rare genetic variants are lost. Genetic diversity allows
species to be more adaptable to different environments and changing ecological conditions.

Image 3. Observable genetic diversity within domestic species: cats, horses, pumpkins and dogs.

Genetic Diversity – Convention on Biological Diversity

Species diversity

Variety of species that are represented in a given community (or area or ecosystem) – species
richness. It also indicates if most of the individuals of the community belong to a restricted number
of species and how they are distributed – species evenness and abundance.

Therefore, species diversity is usually described as an Index which combines species richness and
species evenness and abundance.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.