Why is variation in a population important to the process of natural selection?
A
With variation, the population would stay the same and not be able to survive.
B
Without variation, the population would all stay the same and not be able to survive.
C
If a population had no variation, then traits of one individual over another would not cause a change in a species.
D
If a population had no variation, then traits of one individual over another would cause a catastrophic change in a species.
C
If a population had no variation, then traits of one individual over another would not cause a change in a species.
Variation within a population allows for some individuals to have traits that may be better suited for survival in a changing environment. Natural selection acts on this variation, favoring those individuals with advantageous traits, leading to the evolution of the population over time. Without variation, there would be no differences in traits among individuals, and natural selection would not be able to act on any specific traits, making it impossible for a species to adapt and survive in changing environments.