How does the concept of variation contribute to natural selection?

The concept of variation is crucial to the process of natural selection because it ensures that within a population, there are differences among individuals in their traits. This variation means that some individuals may possess characteristics that give them an advantage in surviving and reproducing in their environment, while others may not. For instance, if a certain trait improves an individual's ability to find food, escape predators, or withstand harsh environmental conditions, those individuals are more likely to survive and pass on that advantageous trait to their offspring.

As a result, over generations, the population may become better adapted to its environment as advantageous traits become more common. This dynamic is essential for the evolution of species because it drives the process of natural selection, where the individuals best suited to their environment reproduce more successfully than those who do not possess such traits. Thus, variation forms the foundation for adaptation and evolution within species, shaping biodiversity over time.