When the environment changes, individuals with traits that are better suited to the new conditions are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process, known as natural selection, leads to the gradual evolution of a population. Over time, the population becomes better adapted to the environment, and individuals with less advantageous traits are less likely to survive.
Here are some specific examples of how variation can allow some animals to survive better than others:
* In cold climates, animals with thick fur are more likely to survive than those with thin fur. The thick fur helps to insulate the animal and keep it warm.
* In arid environments, animals that are able to store water or conserve water are more likely to survive than those that cannot. For example, some desert animals have the ability to store water in their bodies or to extract water from their food.
* In environments where there is a lot of competition for food, animals that are able to find food or that are able to eat a variety of foods are more likely to survive than those that are not. For example, some animals have specialized adaptations that allow them to eat specific types of food, while others are able to eat a wide variety of foods.
Variation is essential for the survival of a population. It allows for the evolution of new traits that can help a species to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Without variation, a population would be more vulnerable to extinction.