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.
Genetic variation from sexual reproduction can lead to the production of offspring with different beak sizes and shapes, allowing some individuals to better adapt to the new seed-based diet and survive, ultimately preventing the species from extinction.
write it as a 7th grader
When birds make babies, they can have different beak sizes and shapes. If some babies are born with bigger beaks, they can crack seeds better. This helps them survive when there aren't as many bugs to eat, so the species doesn't die out.
