What term describes the differences between individuals in a population?

The term that describes the differences between individuals in a population is known as variation. Variation refers to the diversity in genetic traits, physical characteristics, and behaviors among members of a species. This genetic diversity is crucial for the survival and adaptation of a population, allowing it to respond effectively to changing environments and other selective pressures.

On a broader scale, variation can arise from several sources, including sexual reproduction, which combines the genetic material of two parents, and mutations, which introduce new genetic changes. Recognizing variation is key in genetics, as it underlies concepts such as natural selection and evolution, which depend on the presence of different traits within a population that can be acted upon by environmental factors.

In contrast, terms like homogeneity and uniformity refer to a population that is very similar or identical, lacking variability. Mutation, while related to genetic change, describes specific alterations in DNA rather than the broader concept of differences between individuals. Therefore, variation is the most appropriate term to identify the differences that exist within a population.