Question

Give five points to show the significance of variation.

Answer 1

Hint: Variations are defined as the developmental changes that occur in the gene pool of a population. Variations cause the genotype of a particular organism to be altered in the due course of time. It leads to providing better adaptability to the changing environmental conditions.

Complete answer: Variations refer to changes that occur in the genetic composition of any organism. The main reason behind the cause of variation is sexual reproduction because it ensures the natural selection in organisms. It helps in making the organism better-suited for the environment.
The significance of variation can be stated as follows:
1) Variation enables organisms to adjust and adapt better according to the changing conditions of the environment.
2) Different kinds of variations in organisms lead to the development of new species that are a better fit for the harsh environmental conditions. During interspecific hybridization, it is the mating of two different types of species of the same genus with each other, genetic variations arise, and new individuals are formed.
3) Variations are the major source of species evolution and environmental evolution. The more fit organisms replace the lesser fit organisms in the environment.
4) Variations help to make plants and animals resistant to different kinds of diseases.
5) Variations help in improving the chance of survival of any species in case of unfavourable and non-suitable conditions.

Note: Variations are very advantageous to different populations of species. These advantages are derived from the principle of natural selection and the concept of survival of the fittest in the environment. Variations are considered particularly very important for evolution because they enable the organisms to survive the changes in the environment.