genetic population structure

Genetic population structure refers to how groups within a species differ genetically due to factors like geographic separation, breeding patterns, or environmental differences. These differences develop over time as populations adapt to their specific conditions or remain isolated, leading to distinct genetic characteristics. Understanding this structure helps researchers learn about evolutionary processes, migration, and how populations are related, which can inform conservation efforts, disease studies, and the study of human history. Overall, it describes the organization and variation of genetic differences across distinct groups within a species.