Learn: Variation

Welcome!I've reviewed your growth areas and created this lesson to help strengthen your understanding of Variation. We'll focus on key concepts and provide practice to improve your understanding.

What is Variation?Variation refers to the differences in characteristics between individuals within the same species. These differences can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Variation is important because it contributes to biodiversity and helps species adapt to changing environments.

Types of VariationVariation can be classified as continuous or discontinuous. Continuous variation involves characteristics that show a range of values, such as height or weight. Discontinuous variation involves distinct categories, such as blood type or eye colour.

Causes of VariationVariation can be caused by genetic factors, such as inherited traits from parents, and environmental factors, such as diet or climate. Some characteristics are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, like body weight.

Continuous VariationCharacteristics showing continuous variation are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. These traits are measured on a scale and often form a bell-shaped curve when graphed, such as height or skin colour.

Discontinuous VariationDiscontinuous variation results from characteristics controlled by a single gene or a small number of genes. These traits fall into distinct categories, such as blood type or the ability to roll your tongue.

Why is Variation Important?Variation is essential for natural selection and evolution. It allows species to adapt to changes in their environment, improving their chances of survival. For example, genetic variation in a population may help some individuals resist diseases.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about variation, including its types, causes, and importance. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.

Well Done!You've completed the lesson on variation. Keep practising these concepts to deepen your understanding further!