What is the term for the differences among individuals of a species?

Variation refers to the differences that occur among individuals within a species. These differences can manifest in various forms, including morphological traits, behaviors, and physiological characteristics. Variation is crucial for the process of natural selection because it provides the raw material upon which evolutionary forces can act.

When individuals of a species exhibit variation, some traits may offer advantages in terms of survival and reproduction in particular environments. For instance, within a population of animals, some may be faster, more camouflaged, or better at finding food, which can influence their chances of survival and passing those traits on to their offspring.

The other terms listed, while related to the field of biology, do not describe this concept accurately. Mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits but is just one mechanism generating variation. Adaptation is the process through which species become better suited to their environments, often as a result of variations that are favored by natural selection. Specification pertains to the process by which new species arise, which is a broader concept involving changes over long periods rather than the individual differences within an existing species.