GENETIC VARIATION
Caused by differences in genes inherited from parents
Examples: Blood type, eye colour, inherited diseases
Caused by differences in genes inherited from parents
Examples: Blood type, eye colour, inherited diseases
ENVIRONMENTAL VARIATION
Caused by conditions in which organism develops
Examples: Scars, language spoken, tanned skin
Caused by conditions in which organism develops
Examples: Scars, language spoken, tanned skin
Most characteristics are influenced by BOTH:
- Height: Genes set potential, but nutrition affects actual height
- Weight: Metabolism is genetic, but diet/exercise affect it
- Intelligence: Genetic component, but education matters too
This deep dive covers Types of Variation within Variation for GCSE Biology. Genetic and environmental variation in organisms It is section 1 of 10 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Variation
What is the main difference between genetic variation and environmental variation?
Explain how mutations contribute to genetic variation in populations.
Quick recall flashcards
What is variation in biology?
Differences in characteristics between individuals of the same species. Variation can be due to differences in genes (genetic variation), the environment, or a combination of both.
What are the two main causes of genetic variation?
1. Mutations โ random changes to DNA that create new alleles. 2. Sexual reproduction โ combines alleles from two parents in unique combinations, producing offspring different from both parents.