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Biodiversity is the variety of life ad its processes. Diversity cannot be described unless the differences between organisms can be detected and measured. The concept of genetic diversity is usually confined to individual organisms, populations, and species and may be considered as heritable differences among taxa capable of gene exchange. New macromolecular methods together with traditional morphological, cytogenetic, hybridization, and breeding-system analytical methods are providing greater detail that allows a finer resolution of genetic diversity at several levels. Rangeland plant biodiversity studies of shrub, forb, grass and tree taxa are demonstrating genetic diversity at several levels.Case studies of several taxa illustrate that there is an unevenness of genetic diversity data available from rangelands and, in general, rangeland plant genetic diversity studies are in the beginning stages. The influences of past climatic changes on plant diversity are also only just beginning to be understood. Both conservation and use of rangeland plant resources have genetic bases. Genetic diversity studies are important for discovering and documenting the sources and patterns of variation. The information is vital if genetic diversity is to be protected and preserved so that rangeland plant resources can be effectively used and sustained to maintain future options.
(source: abstract)