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.

Question

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

Answer 1

Because of genetic variation thual reproduction, some members of the bird species may already have traits that make them better at cracking seeds than others. This means that those individuals with bigger beaks will have a better chance at surviving and passing on their genes, leading to a population of birds that are better adapted to their new seed-based diet.