In this next lesson we will review what the evolutionary forces are that affect genetic diversity.
Genetic diversity within populations is not static over time. It is constantly changing, affected by four natural evolutionary forces that can increase and/or decrease genetic diversity through:
- Mutation
- Gene Flow
- Adaptation (Natural Selection)
- Genetic Drift
As forestry practitioners we must understand the evolutionary forces that affect genetic diversity in order to avoid or limit negative functions and instead promote and support positive genetic processes that lead to healthy, resilient forests.
Additional videos to explore related to natural selection!