A species of bird has slight variations in its beak size and shape. Some individuals with bigger beaks are better at cracking seeds. Some individuals with narrower beaks are better at hunting for bugs. An invasive species is introduced that hunts all of the bug population, wiping out that food source for the birds, so all they are left with is seeds.

In one to two sentences, explain how genetic variation from sexual reproduction can save this species from extinction.

(2 points)
WRITE THIS IN KIDS' WORDSSS PLZZZ

Genetic variation from sexual reproduction can help save the bird species from extinction because some individuals may have genes for bigger beaks that can crack seeds, so they can still find food and survive even if there are no bugs left.

A species of bird has slight variations in its beak size and shape. Some individuals with bigger beaks are better at cracking seeds. Some individuals with narrower beaks are better at hunting for bugs. An invasive species is introduced that hunts all of the bug population, wiping out that food source for the birds, so all they are left with is seeds.

In one to two sentences, explain how genetic variation from sexual reproduction can save this species from extinction.

(2 points)

Sexual reproduction allows for the mixing of genes from different individuals, so some offspring may inherit genes for bigger beaks, allowing them to adapt to the new situation by being able to crack seeds and survive, even if the bugs are all gone.

Sexual reproduction allows for genetic variation because offspring inherit traits from both parents, so some individuals in the bird species may have inherited traits that make them better at cracking seeds, allowing them to survive even without bugs to eat.