The variations shown by the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges represents

Options

A. Genetic diversity
B. Species diversity
C. Ecological diversity
D. Community diversity

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the type of diversity represented by the variations of the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria found in different Himalayan ranges.

2. **Defining Biodiversity**: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.

3. **Identifying Levels of Biodiversity**: There are three main levels of biodiversity:
- **Genetic Diversity**: Variations within a species at the genetic level.
- **Species Diversity**: The variety of species within a given area.
- **Ecological Diversity**: The variety of ecosystems in a given area.

4. **Analyzing the Plant Variations**: Rauwolfia vomitoria shows variations in its characteristics (like potency and concentration of the active chemical reserpine) when grown in different Himalayan ranges. This indicates that the differences are occurring within the same species.

5. **Conclusion**: Since the variations in Rauwolfia vomitoria are at the genetic level (differences in genetic makeup leading to variations in traits), this represents **genetic diversity**.

6. **Final Answer**: The variations shown by the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges represent **genetic diversity**.

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