Variation and Evolution: Variation.

Question 1

What is variation?

Answer 1

• All the differences in characteristics of individuals in a population.
• 3 main causes for variation:
• Alleles (Genetic variation), Environment, Language or a combination of Environment and Genetics.

Question 2

What is genetic variation caused by?

Answer 2

• Mutations: random changes to the DNA.
• Mostly have no effect on the the phenotype, some mutations can influence the phenotype.
• Small number of mutations determines the phenotype.-
• Rarley a new phenotype.