Final answer:
Genetic variation allows for adaptation to the environment by providing a diverse range of traits that can be advantageous in specific conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetic variation plays a crucial role in an organism's ability to adapt to its environment. This variation provides a diverse range of traits within a population, some of which may be advantageous in specific environmental conditions. When a significant change occurs in the environment, individuals with certain genetic variations that confer a survival advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these beneficial traits to future generations. For example, in finches, variations in beak shape allow them to adapt to different food sources. Genetic variation is essential for natural selection and the process of evolution.