Question

Why is genetic variation important from an evolutionary standpoint?

a) To limit adaptability
b) To reduce competition
c) To maintain a static environment
d) To enable adaptation and evolution

Answer 1

Genetic variation is crucial for the adaptation and evolution of species as it provides the raw material for natural selection. It enables individuals to survive various environmental changes and is key to the evolutionary concept of 'survival of the fittest'.

Step-by-step explanation:

Genetic variation is important from an evolutionary standpoint because it serves as the basis for adaptation and evolution. One of the core principles of evolution is 'survival of the fittest,' which requires genetic diversity within a species. Without such variation, a species would lack the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, leading to a decreased chance of survival.

Natural selection can lead to adaptations that improve the survival chances of individuals within a species. This could include physical traits, such as better running speed to evade predators, or physiological changes that enable the organism to survive in extreme environments. When advantageous genetic variations arise, they tend to become more common in the population over generations because they confer a survival benefit. Furthermore, genetic variation is a buffer against changes in the environment. It creates a scenario where a single threat is unlikely to wipe out an entire population, as some individuals may possess variations that allow them to survive. This constant 'running to stay in the same place' as environmental challenges shift is known as the Red Queen hypothesis.