NCERT Solution for Class 10 Science Chapter 8
How do Organisms Reproduce?
NCERT Books for Session 2022-2023
CBSE Board and UP Board
Intext Questions
Page No-128
Questions No-2
Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?
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Variations are beneficial to the species than individual because sometimes for a species, the environmental conditions change so drastically that their survival becomes difficult.
For example, if the temperature of water increases suddenly, then most of the bacteria living in that water would die. Only few variants that are resistant to heat would be able to survive. However, if these variants were not there, then the entire species of bacteria would have been destroyed.
Thus, these variants help in the survival of the species. However, all variations are not necessarily beneficial for the individual organisms.
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Variations are important for species survival because variation causes the organism to overcome extreme situations. Organism species occupy well-defined positions in the ecosystem, utilising their reproductive capacity.
Even so, for factors beyond the control of the species, such locations will alter, and can even destroy the entire species. If any differences in all of these species were to be found in a few individuals, they would have a chance of surviving.
Variations can be beneficial or harmful according to the ecological niche of the organism. A variation suitable for the particular niche is selected by nature in evolution. Thus variations are necessary for the survival of the species. Variation is important for the evolution of the species.
For example: A population of heat resistant bacteria in the temperature of the water survives if the temperature of water increases by global warming but most other bacteria would die.
Variations are important for species survival because variation causes the organism to overcome extreme situations. Organism species occupy well-defined positions in the ecosystem, utilizing their reproductive capacity.
Variation is important for the evolution of the species. Variations can be beneficial or harmful according to the ecological niche of the organism. A variation suitable for the particular niche is selected by nature in evolution.
For example: A population of heat resistant bacteria in the temperature of the water survives if the temperature of water increases by global warming but most other bacteria would die.
Variation is beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual because sometimes variation in an individual may results in death of that individual but for species variation results in the existence of that species. For example, if there is a population of certain bacteria living in normal climatic conditions and the temperature increases due to global warming, then most of these bacteria will not be able to tolerate excessive heat and hence die. But some bacteria which had variations to resist heat would survive and grow further. So, we can say, variation is beneficial to species but not necessarily for the individual.
In changed environmental condition, certain variations may be useful.If a species survived in a particular kind of environment, for e.g., in neutral pH and certain variation occured in some of its members of the population. Then under changed pH conditions, say more basic, the variation that really did not matterin neutral pH, may help in survival of these variants.
Variation is beneficial to a species because it provides the raw material for natural selection, a key mechanism in the process of evolution. Natural selection acts on the variation within a population, favoring traits that enhance the survival and reproductive success of individuals in a given environment. Here’s why variation is advantageous at the species level:
1. Adaptability to Changing Environments: Environments are dynamic and can change over time. Variation within a population ensures that there is a range of traits present. When the environment changes, individuals with certain advantageous traits may be more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to future generations.
2. Resilience to Diseases and Predators: Variation can provide a buffer against diseases or predators. If all individuals in a population had the same traits, a single disease or predator adaptation could potentially wipe out the entire population. Having diverse traits makes it less likely that an entire population will be vulnerable to a specific threat.
3. Increased Genetic Fitness: Genetic diversity within a population enhances overall genetic fitness. Genetic fitness is a measure of how well an organism can survive and reproduce in its environment. The presence of variation means that the population is more likely to have individuals with combinations of traits that are well-suited to the prevailing conditions.
While variation is crucial for the long-term survival and evolution of a species, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee immediate benefits for every individual. In fact, some individuals may have traits that are disadvantageous in a specific environment or under certain conditions. The process of natural selection acts over generations, favoring traits that contribute to the overall success of the species, even if individual organisms may face challenges in the short term.