Question

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.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

Genetic variation from sexual reproduction can allow some individuals with bigger beaks to survive and reproduce, passing on their favorable trait for seed cracking to their offspring, helping the population adapt to the new food source and potentially avoid extinction.

Answer 2

Simplify

Answer 3

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

Having different beak sizes due to genetic variation from sexual reproduction can help some birds with bigger beaks survive by cracking seeds, ensuring they can pass on this advantageous trait to their offspring and potentially prevent extinction.