Heterozygosity

Heterozygosity refers to the presence of different versions of a gene within an individual. Genes come in pairs, one from each parent, and if these are different, the individual is said to be heterozygous at that gene location. This genetic diversity can enhance adaptability and resilience to environmental changes or diseases. Higher heterozygosity often indicates robust genetic variation within a population, which can be beneficial for survival and evolution. Conversely, low heterozygosity might suggest less genetic diversity, potentially increasing vulnerability to health issues or environmental pressures.