Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

DNA copying mechanisms are not absolutely accurate, so errors (variations) occur during reproduction.

Harmful to the individual: A drastic DNA copying error may produce a protein that does not work with the cellular apparatus, causing the new cell to die. Thus, a particular variation can be fatal for that individual organism.

Beneficial to the species: However, if environmental conditions change drastically (e.g., rise in temperature due to global warming), most organisms die, but the few individuals that carry a useful variation survive and reproduce. Variation thus ensures the survival of the species over time, even if no single individual is guaranteed protection.

Source: Chapter 7, Sections 7.1 and 7.1.1

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• The examiner wants two distinct points — one explaining harm to the individual, one explaining benefit to the species — clearly labelled or contrasted.
• The key phrase from the textbook is: "Every individual organism cannot be protected by variations, but in a population, variations are useful for ensuring the survival of the species." Paraphrase this in your answer.
• Use the bacteria/global warming example from Section 7.1.1 to illustrate benefit to the species — examiners appreciate a concrete example.
• Avoid vague statements like "variations are good" without linking them to survival under changed environmental conditions.