Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?

(N/A) Variations are more beneficial to the species than to the individual because environmental conditions can change so drastically that the survival of a species becomes difficult. For example,if the temperature of water increases suddenly,most bacteria living in that water would die. Only a few variants that are resistant to heat would be able to survive. If these variants were not present,the entire species of bacteria would be wiped out. Thus,these variations ensure the survival of the species. However,not all variations are necessarily beneficial for the individual organism,as some may be neutral or even harmful.