Variation within species is essential for evolution from "summary" of The Structure of Evolutionary Theory by Stephen Jay Gould
The central tenet of evolutionary theory, as articulated by Charles Darwin and further developed by subsequent scientists, is the importance of variation within species. This variation is not just a superficial difference in appearance or behavior, but a fundamental aspect of the evolutionary process. Without genetic diversity within a population, there would be no raw material for natural selection to act upon. Variation within species is the result of mutations, genetic recombination, and other processes that introduce new genetic information into a population. This genetic diversity is essential for the survival and adaptation of species in changing environments. Natural selection, the mechanism by which advantageous traits are passed on to future generations, can only operate on this variation. In the absence of genetic diversity, populations would be more vulnerable to extinction when faced with environmental challenges. Imagine a population of birds that are all identical in every way - i...
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