Mutation and variation

• Genetic variation in species can be generated by genetics
• Mutations arise spontaneously and can sometimes lead to genetic disorders or death
• Genes can be inserted into a genome through genetic engineering
• Extensive genetic variation is contained within any species
• Genetic variation is visible in the domestic dog species
• Variation within genes leads to different genotypes and phenotypes
• Genetic and environmental variation combine to produce different phenotypes
• All variants arise from mutations, most of which have no effect on the phenotype
• Mutations are random and spontaneous changes in the structure of a gene or chromosome
• If a mutation leads to a change that is suited to a particular environment, it can lead to rapid change in a species
• Natural selection is a process where organisms better adapted to an environment will survive and have more offspring
• Organisms that are better adapted to an environment will survive and reproduce
• Charles Darwin came up with the theory of evolution and the term 'survival of the fittest'
• Natural selection selects the best examples of an organism to survive
• Peppered moths are a famous example of natural selection
• Dark moths had a better camouflage against pollution and soot deposits, leading to their increased reproduction and passing on of alleles