Variation in offspring is important because it increases the chances of survival of a species in changing environments. It is a natural process that occurs due to the random combination of genetic material from the parents during reproduction. The more variations present in a population, the better equipped it is to adapt to environmental changes such as climate, food availability, and disease resistance.
For example, if all individuals in a population have the same genetic makeup, and a new disease emerges that targets that particular genetic trait, then the entire population is at risk of being wiped out. On the other hand, if there is genetic variation in the population, some individuals may have traits that make them resistant to the disease, increasing the chances of survival for the population as a whole.
Variation also plays an important role in evolution. Over time, certain traits may become more prevalent in a population if they provide an advantage in survival and reproduction. This process, known as natural selection, drives the evolution of species.
In summary, variation is useful because it increases the chances of survival and adaptation to changing environments, and is essential for the long-term survival of a species.