VARIATION
Variation refers to the differences that exist
between species. However, species also change
in general over time. Humans today are far taller
and larger than humans were in past. Some
animals which existed in the past no longer exist
today. In this unit you will learn more about the
scientific reasons for variation and change.
WHAT IS VARIATION?
Within the same species, there are variations in
skin color, hair texture, eye color, shape of the
face etc. This is called variation.
Variation is differences seen (phenotypic
differences) within the same population.
WHAT CAUSES VARIATION?
Genetics
• Meiosis (crossing over and independent
assortment)
• Sexual reproduction (fertilization
• Mutations (Sickle Cell Anemia and Down’s
Syndrome)
Environment
• Nutrients
• Drugs
• Temperature
• Physical Training
Genetic Causes Environmental Causes
Meiosis – pairs of chromosomes Nutrients – the food we eat and
exchange genetic material in the minerals available to plants
crossing over and chromosomes lead to variation
randomly line up on equator and
split from each other producing
non identical gametes
Sexual Reproduction – the fusion Drugs – can cause deformities to
of gametes in fertilization children
combines genetic material from
each parent in new ways is
random.
Mutations – these are random Temperature-temperature affects
mistakes in the replication of enzyme activity. Therefore
DNA slightly different to the warmer temperatures
original. encourages growth. Temperature
can also affect complexion and
melanin production.
Physical training- when you use
muscle, you increase size and
power. Eg athletes have stronger
muscle
Continuous Variation
• Variation in characteristics that
are spread over a wide range of
measurements.
Discontinuous Variation
• Variation in characteristics that
do not show a continuous trend.
There is no immediate forms.
CONTINUOUS VARIATION
DISCONTINUOUS VARIATION
LETS DO THIS!!!!!!
CONTINUOUS AND DISCONTINUOUS
VARIATION
