Question

Why is heritable variation among individuals an important factor for natural selection?

1) because variation has to be heritable for a species to survive
2) because variation has to be heritable for individuals to pass down their beneficial mutations
3) because when individuals respond to the environment they can pass the traits they acquire on to their offspring
4) because natural selection cannot act when all individuals are absolutely identical
5) both b and d
6) all of the above

Answer 1

Heritable variation is essential for natural selection because it allows differential survival and reproduction, ensuring the passage of beneficial traits and adaptation to environmental changes. The correct answer to the question is option 5) both b and d.

Step-by-step explanation:

Heritable variation among individuals is a crucial factor for natural selection because it allows for the differential survival and reproduction of organisms with beneficial traits. The correct option that explains why heritable variation is important for natural selection is options 5) both b and d.

• Option b: Variation must be heritable for individuals to pass down their beneficial mutations. This ensures that advantageous traits can be selected for by natural selection.
• Option d: Natural selection cannot act when all individuals are absolutely identical because there would be no basis for some organisms to have a reproductive advantage over others.

Heritable genetic variation is the essence of evolution. Without genetic differences, survival of the fittest would not occur. Thus, heritable variation creates a pool of traits that can be acted upon by natural selection, ultimately leading to the evolution of populations and the development of new species.

Moreover, heritable variation allows for adaptation to changing environments, ensuring that a species can survive over time. While beneficial traits are passed on more frequently, even deleterious mutations may be maintained due to various evolutionary factors.