BY5.5 Variation

Variation

• sexual reproduction produces genetic variation
• genetic variation is essential for survival
• genotype gives an organism the potential to show a particular characteristic
• degree to which the characterisitc is shown is affected by the environment

Types of variation:

• most charcterisitcs are controlled by a numbr of genes
• this is known as continuour variation
• the charcaterisitc shows gradation e.g. height

• clear cut characters are controlled by a single gene
• this is known as discontinos variation
• the gene may have 2 or more alleles but no intermediate type

Origins of variation:

non heritable variation:

• the environment has a role in…