Reproductive Strategies Unit Test

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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.

(2 points)

Genetic variation from sexual reproduction can save this species from extinction by allowing some individuals with bigger beaks, better suited for cracking seeds, to survive and reproduce. This will help ensure that the species can adapt to the loss of their bug food source and continue to thrive.