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 in a 7th graders words

Answer 1

When birds mate they mix their parents' genes, so their babies have different beak sizes. Because only seeds are left, the babies with bigger, stronger beaks survive and have more babies, so the species can keep living instead of dying out.