Final answer:
Farmers use artificial selection to breed animals or plants with natural variations that present the most desirable traits, which supports the enhancement of crop and livestock varieties. It is crucial to conserve wild species as they contribute genetic diversity necessary for the continued development of these varieties.
Step-by-step explanation:
When farmers select animals or plants to use for breeding, they look for natural variations that are present in a species. This selection for certain traits is a process known as artificial selection, which is similar to natural selection in that both involve the differential reproduction of organisms with favored traits. However, in artificial selection, humans are the ones who choose desirable traits and breed individuals accordingly, while in natural selection, environmental pressures determine which traits are favorable for survival and reproduction.
The importance of genetic diversity is showcased in artificial selection as farmers rely on natural variations within a species to improve and create new varieties. This process encourages the maintenance of wild species and their genetic diversity because they could carry new gene variants beneficial for breeding and enhancing crop varieties. Loss of wild species would reduce the pool of genetic resources available for such improvements, potentially affecting our food supply.