# Explain why a species with a high level of genetic diversity is more likely to survive if a new disease enters its habitat than a species with low genetic diversity.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.4.7 Investigating Diversity · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Genetic diversity means there is variation in alleles within the population
2. Some individuals may have alleles that make them resistant to the disease
3. Those resistant individuals survive and reproduce
4. So the population continues / the species is not wiped out
5. A species with low genetic diversity has little variation in alleles, so all individuals are likely to be equally susceptible and the whole population could die

## Key terms

- [genetic diversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/genetic-diversity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-species-with-a-e988efc2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.