Question

which of the following statements best describes why genetic variation is important for evolution? choose 1 answer: a genetic variation ensures that all individuals in a population have roughly equal chances of survival and reproduction. b genetic variation allows some individuals to evolve more efficiently than others in a population. c genetic variation allows for different likelihoods of survival and reproduction amongst individuals in a population.

Explanation:

• Option A: Genetic variation leads to differences in traits, so individuals don't have equal survival/reproduction chances (natural selection acts on variations), so A is wrong.
• Option B: Evolution is a population - level change, not individuals evolving “more efficiently” than others. Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection, not individual - level efficient evolution, so B is wrong.
• Option C: Genetic variation creates differences in traits. Some traits make individuals more likely to survive and reproduce (fitness differences), which is the basis for natural selection and evolution. So this statement correctly explains the importance of genetic variation for evolution.

Answer:

C. Genetic variation allows for different likelihoods of survival and reproduction amongst individuals in a population.