Key points
The differences in characteristics between individuals of the same speciesA group of organisms that can interbreed to have fertile offspring. is called variationSmall changes in living organisms..
Some variation is passed on from parents to offspring, via geneA small section of DNA that gives a characteristic. during reproduction. This is inheritanceThe passing of characteristics determined by genes from parents to offspring. variation.
Some variation is the result of differences in the surroundings, or what an individual does. This is called environmental variation.
Variation
Humans, dogs and goldfish are examples of species.
Different species have different characteristics from each other. For example, dogs have tails and humans do not. Dogs have fur, but goldfish have scales.
The individual members of a species also have differences in characteristics. For example, humans have different coloured eyes, and dogs have different length tails. This means that no two members of a species are identical.
The differences between the individuals in a species is called variation.
Variation helps a species to survive, by causing individuals of a species to be genetically and physically different.
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Genetic and environmental variation
Characteristics in an individual organism are caused by both genetic and environmental variation.
For example, the weight of a dog is caused partly by its genes - inherited - and partly by what it eats - environmental. The height of a sunflower is caused partly by its genes and partly by how much light and water it gets.
Genetic only | Environmental only | Genetic and environmental |
---|---|---|
Eye colour | Tattoos | Height |
Blood group | Scars | Weight |
Attached ear lobes | Language spoken | Human's hair colour - can lighten in summer or can be dyed |
Animal's fur colour | Colour of hydrangea flower - blue in acid soil, pink in alkaline | Size of plant |
Quiz - Genetic or environmental?
Benefits of variation
If all the individuals of a species were genetically identical they would be vulnerable to the same diseases. If this were the case a single disease could wipe out an entire species.
As a result of their genes, some individuals of a species might have better camouflage, or be able to run faster. These individuals are more likely to survive. This is called the survival of the fittest.
The members of a species that survive may reproduce. Their offspring are likely to have the desirable characteristics of their parents. This is how species change in evolution.
Test your knowledge
Quiz - Variation
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