Florida Biology EOC Practice Test 2026 - Free Biology End-of-Course Practice Questions and Study Guide

Having both dominant and recessive traits is essential for organisms as it allows for a greater variety of genetic combinations, which can be advantageous for survival and adaptation. Dominant traits often express more readily in an organism's phenotype, which can confer specific survival advantages in certain environments. For example, if a dominant trait provides resistance to a disease, that organism is better suited for survival in an environment where that disease is present.

On the other hand, recessive traits contribute to genetic variation within a population. This variation is vital because it can lead to new adaptations over generations. If environmental conditions change, the hidden recessive traits may provide a basis for evolutionary change. In this way, while dominant traits may ensure immediate survival, recessive traits provide a reservoir of genetic diversity that can improve a population's ability to adapt to shifting circumstances.

This relationship underscores the importance of having both types of traits: dominant traits can help individuals survive in the short term, while recessive traits maintain a pool of genetic diversity that is crucial for long-term adaptability.