Written answers to these questions will be due at the lab on May 1. 1. Genetic variation gives a population the flexibility to respond to many different types of selective pressures. For examples, say some organisms of a species are able to survive freezing temperatures while others are not. As long as the climate is mild the non-tolerant organisms will be fine. But when there is a very cold winter most of them may die, but the individuals that can tolerate the cold will mostly survive.
Genetic variation is the clay that evolution molds into whatever shape selection dictates.
Give an example not cited in the text. Genetic variation can be reduced by random genetic drift, population bottlenecks, founder effect. These types of changes are more common and more likely to occur when the population size is extremely low. Genetic variation can also be reduced by selection and non-random mating. No, not necessarily.