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Variation

Explain how variation refers to the differences observed among individuals of the same species.

10

Objectives

100

Flashcards

70

Questions

90 min

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CambridgeIGCSEBiologyVariation and selection

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Variation outcomes10 objectives
  • Explain how variation refers to the differences observed among individuals of the same species.
  • Indicate that continuous variation leads to a spectrum of phenotypes between two extremes, such as body length and mass.
  • Indicate that discontinuous variation results in a limited set of phenotypes without intermediates, with examples like ABO blood types and pea seed shapes and colors.
  • Indicate that discontinuous variation is typically caused solely by genetic factors, while continuous variation arises from both genetic and environmental influences.
  • Explore and explain instances of both continuous and discontinuous variation.
  • Explain mutation as a change in genetic material.
  • Indicate that mutations are the mechanism through which new alleles are created.
  • Indicate that exposure to ionising radiation and certain chemicals can elevate the mutation rate.
  • Explain gene mutation as a random alteration in the DNA base sequence.
  • Indicate that mutation, meiosis, random mating, and random fertilisation contribute to genetic variation within populations.

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