Question

Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?

Answer 1

Variations are more beneficial to the species than to individual organisms because, at times, environmental conditions change so drastically that survival becomes challenging. For instance, if the water temperature suddenly rises, most bacteria in that water would die. Only a few heat-resistant variants would survive. Without these variants, the entire species of bacteria could be wiped out. Thus, these variants play a crucial role in the survival of the species. However, not all variations are necessarily advantageous for individual organisms.

Answer 2

Populations of organisms typically exist and interact within specific ecological niches. If the ecological conditions in these areas change, the population of organisms may decrease or even become extinct. However, variants of the organisms might have a chance to survive. These surviving individuals can reproduce and form a population adapted to the altered niche. Therefore, variation benefits the species as a whole, though it is not essential for the survival of individual organisms.