Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for an individual? explain with the help of suitable example?
Answers
The variation is important and beneficial for species as it allows a species to adapt to a changing environment.
For example, climate change can force a species to shift its range to poleward or to higher altitudes.
Only those who adopt the changes can survive in harsher conditions by adapting to the changes.
For an individual, the variation doesn't matter in most of the conditions.
Take the example of we humans, if a climate change happens, we can shed our clothes and our body will help us control the temperature, and if the environment gets colder, we can wear more clothes to protect us.
However, in conditions like any new virus or bacteria attack which is harmful to humans, our body has to adapt according to this scenario or we will perish.
Variation is useful for the survival of a species even in adverse
environmental conditions. There may be some drastic changes like
excessive heat or cold or shortage of water, etc., in the habitat. If all the
organisms of a population that are identical, then there is danger that all of
them may die. However, if some variations are present in some to tolerate
excessive heat or cold or survive on meager water supply, then there is a
chance for them to survive and flourish even in adverse environment.