Variation

• What is meant by variation in biology?

  Variation refers to all the differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population.
• What are the three main causes of variation?

  • Genetic causes (alleles inherited)
  • Environmental causes
  • Combination of genes and environment
• How do alleles contribute to genetic variation?

  They are inherited genetic factors that lead to differences in traits.
• How can the environment cause variation?

  By affecting traits like flower color and language.
• What role do mutations play in genetic variation?

  • Mutations are random changes to DNA.
  • They occur frequently and mostly have no effect on phenotype.
  • Some can influence phenotype, while very few determine it.
• How can a mutation lead to a new phenotype?

  By introducing a beneficial trait that helps survival in a changing environment.
• What is the significance of the mutation in the UK rabbit population?

  • It led to a new phenotype (virus resistance).
  • This beneficial phenotype became widespread in the population.