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Types of Variation

Part of Variation — GCSE Biology

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.

Topic position

Section 1 of 10

Practice

25 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

Types of Variation

GENETIC VARIATION
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

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

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Variation. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Sources of Genetic VariationVisual: VariationHow It Works: How Variation Arises

Practice Questions for Variation

What is the main difference between genetic variation and environmental variation?

  • A. Genetic variation is caused by differences in DNA, environmental variation is caused by external factors
  • B. Genetic variation affects all organisms equally, environmental variation affects each organism differently
  • C. Genetic variation is reversible, environmental variation is permanent
  • D. Genetic variation only affects physical traits, environmental variation only affects behavioral traits
1 markfoundation

Explain how mutations contribute to genetic variation in populations.

4 marksstandard

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 — random changes to DNA that create new alleles. 2. Sexual reproduction — combines alleles from two parents in unique combinations, producing offspring different from both parents.

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Sources of Genetic Variation