Why is genetic variation in offspring important for a species?
AVariation increases the number of offspring
BVariation looks attractive
CVariation has no benefit
DVariation allows some individuals to adapt better to changing environments; over generations this drives evolution and species survival
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Variation allows some individuals to adapt better to changing environments; over generations this drives evolution and species survival
In a changing environment (climate shifts, new diseases, new predators), some genetic variants will be better adapted than others. These survive and reproduce more, gradually shifting the population. Without variation, a sudden environmental change could wipe out a uniform population. Sexual reproduction maintains this variation; asexual cloning does not.
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