Low-diversity

Low-diversity describes a system, population, environment, or dataset characterized by a limited variety of elements, types, or species. It indicates a lack of heterogeneity and a prevalence of a few dominant components. This can manifest in various contexts, from biological ecosystems with few species to social environments with limited perspectives. The consequences of low diversity often include reduced resilience to change, increased vulnerability to disease or disruption, and restricted opportunities for innovation and adaptation. The term is frequently used in ecology, genetics, social sciences, and computer science.

Low-diversity meaning with examples

• The cornfield's low-diversity ecosystem, dominated by a single crop, makes it highly susceptible to pest infestations and climate changes. The lack of various other plants and animals means the ecosystem is vulnerable to the damage of pests and diseases to the corn crop. The farm relies on pesticides to protect the harvest due to this weakness.
• The research team discovered that the coral reef, once teeming with life, now exhibited low-diversity due to pollution and rising ocean temperatures. It's missing several species and shows an unbalanced population of remaining ones, all which are leading to the reef's decline. The loss means the reef is at risk and the research is documenting this change.
• A software company's engineering team faced challenges because of a low-diversity of skillsets, hindering their ability to develop a wide range of software products. The company struggled to adapt to new technologies as the employees were only skilled in one area, leading to missed opportunities and competitive pressures. The diversity of the employees was low.
• The city's low-diversity cultural landscape, dominated by one specific ethnic group, presented challenges in fostering cross-cultural understanding and social cohesion. The population didn't offer a wide variety of experiences and traditions, leaving the populace lacking a good understanding of other societies. The lack of diversity hindered growth.
• Genetic studies revealed the captive population of endangered pandas suffered from low-diversity, making them more vulnerable to genetic diseases. It also threatened the species as a whole because it reduced their ability to adapt to environmental shifts. Breeding programs tried to expand the genes.