Question

which of the following statements best describes why genetic variation is important for evolution? choose 1 answer: a genetic variation allows some individuals to evolve more rapidly than others in a population. b genetic variation allows some individuals in a population to have a higher likelihood of producing offspring. c genetic variation ensures that all individuals in a population produce roughly the same number of offspring.

Explanation:

• Option A: Evolution is a population - level process, and individuals do not “evolve more rapidly” than others in this context. Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection, not for individual - level rapid evolution.
• Option B: Genetic variation leads to differences in traits among individuals in a population. Some of these traits may be more favorable in a given environment, which means the individuals with those traits have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing (producing offspring). This is the basis of natural selection and is crucial for evolution as it allows the population to adapt over time.
• Option C: Genetic variation actually leads to differences in reproductive success among individuals. It does not ensure that all individuals produce the same number of offspring. In fact, natural selection acts on the variation, and individuals with less favorable traits are less likely to reproduce successfully.

Answer:

B. Genetic variation allows some individuals in a population to have a higher likelihood of producing offspring.