Variation within Species Flashcards
How does variation affect survival?
A genetically diverse population of individuals is more likely to survive than a population of individuals with similar genetic makeup. Variation allows some individuals within a population to adapt to the changing environment and natural selection allows the expression of those beneficial traits to persist.
What role does natural selection play in survival and variability?
It is a mechanism of evolution that favors the survival and reproduction of organisms that are best adapted to their environment.
What’s the difference between heritable and non-heritable characteristics?
Heritable: Type of variation that can be passed onto offspring, via gametes.
Non-Heritable: Type of variation due to the environment or changes in DNA of somatic cells only.
What’s the difference between discrete and continuous variation?
Discrete variation refers to traits with a finite number of phenotypes, often controlled by single genes. Examples include blood type and eye colour in humans. Continuous variation, on the other hand, displays an infinite number of phenotypes across a continuum and is usually polygenic.
How does the environment affect variation?
climate, diet, accidents, culture and lifestyle. For example, if you eat too much food you will gain weight, and if you eat too little you will lose weight.
