Final answer:
Genetic variation is vital for human survival as it provides a pool of traits that can improve adaptability and resilience to environmental changes, enabling natural selection to favor those best suited to the conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Variation among humans is crucial for the survival of our species due to its impact on our evolutionary resilience and adaptability. Genetic variation is the foundation of evolution, providing the raw material upon which natural selection acts. This variation arises from differences in genetic makeup, which can lead to diverse traits that may offer advantages in changing environments. For instance, varied responses to factors such as exposure to UV radiation, diet changes, and climate variability can result in some individuals being more fit for survival and reproduction, thereby passing on their advantageous genes to future generations.
This natural process ensures that our species can cope with and adapt to new challenges, such as the emergence of diseases, shifts in climate, and other environmental changes. Without such genetic differences within our population, the species would lack the necessary flexibility to survive in an ever-changing world. Moreover, this biological variation is complemented by cultural diversity, which also plays a role in human adaptability and survival, ensuring a rich repertoire of behaviors to face diverse challenges.