Reasons For Varity

Question 1

Interpret information on variation using normal distribution curves

Answer 1

Normal distribution curve- a graph of variation in a characteristic for a population, with a bell shaped curve that shows most values in the middle of the range and a few extreme values.

Question 2

Demonstrate an understanding of the causes of variation including:

• genetic variation
• environmental variation

Answer 2

• genetic variation- different characteristics as a result of mutation or reproduction, variation from genes from parents, environment
• environmental variation- different characteristics caused by an organisms environment (acquired characteristics)

Question 3

Explain how organisms are adapted to their environment and how some organisms have characteristics that enable them to survive in extreme environments, including deep-sea hydrothermal vents and polar regions

Answer 3

Polar bears: white fur to camouflages, same ears-don’t loose much heat, thick fur for insulation, thick layer of fat under skin for insulation, rough soles to grip the ice, large feet to spread out its weight and stop it sinking into the snow - also good for swimming
Deep-sea Pompeii worms: body adapted to pressures over 200 times those at sea level, worms spends a lot of its time inside a papery tube to protect it from predators, no eyes but has very sensitive ‘tentacles’, body covered in a thick layer of bacteria that halos protects it from heat. Copes with temperature changes of 40-90 degrees