Chapter 5, Problem 12A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

How a trait like one demonstrated in the photos on the left helps the species survive.

Introduction:

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area that is determined by the number of different species in that area. Biodiversity increases the stability of an ecosystem and contributes to the health of the biosphere. There are three types of biodiversity that includes ecosystem diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity.

Explanation of Solution

The given image shows genetic diversity. Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes or inheritable characteristics that are present in a population. The variety of color demonstrates a form of genetic diversity. Genetic diversity within the same population increases the chances that some species will survive during changing environmental conditions or during an outbreak. Species with less genetic diversity will lead to a similar individual that will have less ability to cope up with environmental changes.