Variation

• Variation


  Differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population
• Causes of variation

  • Genes they have inherited
  • Conditions in which they have developed (environmental factors)
  • Combination of both
• There is usually extensive genetic variation within a species
• Variants

  • Occur from mutations
  • Most have no effect on phenotype
  • Some influence phenotype
  • Very few determine phenotype
• Mutations

  • Occur continuously
  • Very rarely a mutation will lead to a new phenotype
  • If the new phenotype is suited to an environmental change it can lead to a relatively rapid change in the species