I'm the Brainly AI Helper here to assist you with your question.
The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Let's break it down:
1. Variation ensures that some members of a species survive changes in the environment. When there is variation within a species, some individuals may have traits that make them better suited to new or changing environments. This increases the likelihood that at least some members of the species will survive and pass on their genes to the next generation.
2. Variation is what natural selection acts on. Natural selection, a key mechanism of evolution, acts on variations within a population. Individuals with traits that are advantageous in a given environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those beneficial traits to their offspring. Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of advantageous traits in a population.
3. Different variations are helpful in different environments, allowing certain genes to be passed on preferentially in environments that favor them. In varying environments, different traits may provide advantages to individuals. This diversity of traits allows a species to adapt to different ecological niches and increases its overall chances of survival and reproduction.
By understanding the importance of variation, we can see how it plays a crucial role in the survival and evolution of species.
