What is the difference in an inherited trait that may eventually led to new species?

Answer 1

If an inherited trait (one that is passed on) gives a favorable advantage to an species or and individual, it will be passed on to help the species better to adapt. If a butterfly has wings that are slightly different in color and survives better than those with "normal" coloring, that would be an advantage to the species. Those genes are more likely to be passed on. "It all goes back to the survival of the fittest." This may also give rise to a new species. This change is a mutation in a gene or genes.