Question

Ella is describing the importance of genetic variation in a species.

Which statement should she use?


Individuals in a species that has a high level of genetic variation are often unable to find mates and reproduce.


Genetic variation increases the ability of a species to adapt to environmental changes, and the species is less likely to become extinct.


Genetic variation results in a species with individuals that have similar genes and that can adapt to changes in the environment.


A species that has a great deal of genetic variation has a lower survival rate because there is a greater risk of harmful genetic mutations.

Answer 1

"Genetic variation increases the ability of a species to adapt to environmental changes, and the species is less likely to become extinct."

Reason: Variation produces different traits among individuals so some may survive new conditions and reproduce, allowing natural selection to shift the population. The other choices are incorrect because they misstate the effects of variation (it means differing genes, not similar ones; it doesn't inherently make mating harder; and while some mutations can be harmful, overall variation increases adaptive potential).