In human evolution, what does the variance of traits within a population indicate?

The variance of traits within a population is indicative of the potential for adaptation and survival. High levels of trait diversity mean that individuals within the population possess different characteristics, which can lead to variations in how they respond to environmental pressures. This diversity is crucial for natural selection, as it increases the likelihood that some individuals will have traits that are advantageous in changing environments.

For example, if a population of organisms faces a new disease or climate change, those individuals with traits that provide resistance or better survival strategies are more likely to thrive and reproduce. Over time, this can lead to evolutionary changes in the population as advantageous traits become more common. In essence, genetic variance within a population acts as a reservoir of potential traits that can be selected for in response to environmental challenges, thereby promoting the species' ability to adapt and survive over generations.