<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species . It is distinguished from genetic variability, which describes the tendency of genetic characteristics to vary . </P> <P> Genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environments . With more variation, it is more likely that some individuals in a population will possess variations of alleles that are suited for the environment . Those individuals are more likely to survive to produce offspring bearing that allele . The population will continue for more generations because of the success of these individuals . </P>

The total number of genetic characteristics of a specific biological population is called