Variation in phenotype

Continuous data:

• Intermediate forms - eg height
• Can be represented by a distribution curve
• Continous variation

Discontinuous data:

• Does not show intermediate forms - categories eg blood type
• Can be represented as a bar chart
• Discontinuous variation
• Environmental factors have little influence on this

Genetic causes of variation:

Mutations -

• sudden changes to genes and chromosomes may, or may not be passed onto the next generation
• mutations are a main source of variation

Meiosis -

• homologous chromosomes split into daughter cells
• independent assortment of these chromosomes
• produces new combinations of alleles

Random fertilisation of gametes -

• sexual reproduction produces…