variation

Question 1

what causes variation?

Answer 1

• genetic = mutations, random fertilisation etc.
• environmental = climate, diet, culture etc.

Question 2

differentiate between intraspecific and interspecific variation

Answer 2

• intra: variation within the same species
• inter: variation between different species

Question 3

differentiate between continuous and discontinuous variation

Answer 3

• continuous: variation exists as gradual changes over a range e.g. height, root length
• discontinuous: variation exists as distinct categories e.g. blood group, bacteria shape