This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Variation for GCSE Biology. Genetic and environmental variation in organisms It is section 8 of 10 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 8 of 10
Practice
25 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Exam Focus
Regularly ExaminedVariation is tested regularly in AQA Paper 2, often as shorter questions and as context for longer evolution questions. Common question formats:
- Classify variation type: Given an example (e.g., blood group, height), state whether it is continuous or discontinuous and whether it is genetic, environmental, or both.
- Graph interpretation: Describe the pattern shown in a histogram (normal distribution = continuous variation; separate bars = discontinuous variation).
- Explain sources of variation: Name and explain three causes — mutations, sexual reproduction (meiosis and random fertilisation), and environmental factors.
- Link to evolution: Variation questions often connect to natural selection — "explain why variation is important for natural selection" (variation provides the raw material for selection to act on).
Command word alert: "Describe the pattern" when given a graph = state whether it is a normal distribution (continuous) or separate categories (discontinuous). "Explain why" = give the biological reason for the pattern.