Variation in an organism affects surival of an organism?

Question

Variation in an organism affects surival of an organism?

Answer 1

Variation exists in a population of organisms. Look at a panther that can be spotted or melanistic (black). This is a variation in the coat trait. These variations arise from spontaneous genetic changes. This particular one, black fur, may be the result of resistance to a disease. In the case of a viral epidemic the individual with black fur and the disease resistance survived the illness. In a population where there were now many fewer spotted cats to breed the black cats would have the advantage in breeding together and to find more food.

All traits have variables across a population. Look at human height from very short to very tall with most individuals clustered in the middle range.