Variation Flashcards

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1
Q

What is variation?

A

The differences that exist between individuals. Every individual organism is unique, as even clones show some variation.

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2
Q

What is intraspecific variation? Give an example

A
  • variation within a species
  • for e.g individual European robins weigh between 16g and 22g, and can show variation in other characteristics such as length, colour and wingspan
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3
Q

What is interspecific variation? Give an example

A
  • variation between species

- for e.g the lightest species of bird weighs 1.6g on average, whilst the heaviest bird can weigh up to 160kg

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4
Q

What is continuous variation? Give an example

A
  • when the individuals in a population vary within a range, there are no distinct categories
  • e.g humans can be any height within a range, not just tall or short
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5
Q

What is discontinuous variation? Give an example

A
  • when there are 2 or more distinct categories which each individual falls into one of these
  • e.g blood group, humans can be group A, B, AB, or O
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6
Q

Explain how variation is caused by genetic factors

A

-different species have different genes, but individuals of the same species have the same genes, but different versions of (alleles), making up an organisms genotype

  • the differences in genotype result in variation in phenotype (characteristics displayed by an organism)
  • variation caused by genetic factors is inherited

-e.g of variation caused only by genetic factors is human blood groups

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7
Q

Explain how variation is caused by environmental factors

A
  • differences in the environment = climate, food, lifestyle
  • characteristics controlled by environmental factors can change over an organisms life
  • e.g of variation caused only by environmental factors include accents and if people have pierced ears
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8
Q

Explain how variation can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors

A
  • genetic factors determine the characteristics that an organism’s born with, but environmental factors can influence how some characteristics develop.
  • e.g height= genes determine how tall an organism can grow, but diet or nutrient availability affect how tall an organism can actually grow
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