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How Do Genetic Variations Contribute to the Diversity of Life on Earth?

Genetic variations are important for biodiversity, which means the variety of life on our planet. These variations happen because of mutations, which are small changes in our DNA. For humans, mutations occur about once in every 1,000,000 base pairs.

Here are some key ways genetic variations help:

  • Adaptation: These variations allow species to adjust to changes in their surroundings.

  • Natural Selection: Different traits can affect how well species survive. Around 10% of mutations actually help living things thrive.

  • Speciation: Over long periods, genetic differences can lead to the creation of new species. Right now, we know there are about 200,000 types of plants and 1.5 million types of animals on Earth.

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How Do Genetic Variations Contribute to the Diversity of Life on Earth?

Genetic variations are important for biodiversity, which means the variety of life on our planet. These variations happen because of mutations, which are small changes in our DNA. For humans, mutations occur about once in every 1,000,000 base pairs.

Here are some key ways genetic variations help:

  • Adaptation: These variations allow species to adjust to changes in their surroundings.

  • Natural Selection: Different traits can affect how well species survive. Around 10% of mutations actually help living things thrive.

  • Speciation: Over long periods, genetic differences can lead to the creation of new species. Right now, we know there are about 200,000 types of plants and 1.5 million types of animals on Earth.

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