What does a higher level of heterozygosity suggest in a population?

A higher level of heterozygosity in a population indicates that there is a greater presence of different alleles at a given genetic locus. Heterozygosity reflects the genetic diversity within a population, as it signifies that individuals are carrying different alleles from one another rather than the same alleles (homozygosity).

When a population exhibits high heterozygosity, it typically means that the gene pool is rich with various alleles, which can confer advantages such as better adaptability to environmental changes, greater resilience against diseases, and improved survival rates. This genetic variation is crucial for the overall health and vitality of a population, allowing for a more robust response to selection pressures.

In contrast, low heterozygosity tends to suggest reduced genetic diversity, prevalence of homozygous individuals, or increased inbreeding, which generally leads to vulnerabilities within the population. High levels of heterozygosity are essential for maintaining the potential for evolutionary change and adaptation.