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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

Why is “variation” considered the fundamental fuel of evolutionary change by natural selection?

A. Because without variation, all individuals would be identical, and there would be no basis for differential survival and reproduction.
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B. Because variation directly generates new food resources in an ecosystem.
C. Because variation prevents populations from growing too large.
D. Because variation allows individuals to consciously choose their evolutionary path.

📝 Explanation

Natural selection requires a choice of variants to "select" from. If all individuals are genetically identical, any differential survival is due to chance, and no evolutionary adaptation can occur.

📖 Additional Information

  • Because without variation, all individuals would be identical, and there would be no basis for differential survival and reproduction.
  • Because variation directly generates new food resources in an ecosystem.
  • Because variation prevents populations from growing too large.
  • Because variation allows individuals to consciously choose their evolutionary path.

Natural selection requires a choice of variants to "select" from. If all individuals are genetically identical, any differential survival is due to chance, and no evolutionary adaptation can occur.

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