Variation

There are two basic types of variations:

 Discontinuous variation- Blood groups (A,B,O and AB),you can’t be different group from
the mentioned above.
 Continuous variation- For example your height, your don’t have to be certain height,
and everyone defers
Normal division
This graph shows that most people
are average height and there are
small number of people which are
extremely short and extremely tall.

What causes variations?

 Genetic variation- In this case people differ from each other because they have different
genotype

 Environmental variation- In this case people develop certain characteristics so they can
life better in certain conditions. These characteristics are also called acquired
characteristics, because they are not developed form the genes, but from the adaption
process.

Discontinuous variations is cause by the genes and only them.

Continuous variation is caused by the environment and the genes

Genetic variation arises in a few ways.

 Meiosis – During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genes, and separate
from one another, so the gametes in the end are different.
  Fertilization – Any two gametes can fuse together in the fertilization process, so there
are many possible combination of genes which may be produced in the zygote. So in
organism with large number of genes a mirror in the offspring is almost impossible

 Mutation – When a gene suddenly changes it’s said that the gene mutates. The
mutation is the only source of new characteristics.

Environmental factors can increase the chance of mutation.

The ionising radiation is very dangerous and it’s known for increasing the risk of radiation. The
radiation can damage the DNA cells therefore mutations will accure. If this happens to the
ovaries or testis then the mutation can be passed to the next generation.
Heavy metals and mercury can interfere with DNA coping. And when the cell divides it will get
wrong information.
Chemicals that cause mutations are called mutagens.

Darwin’s theory.
Darwin’s visions can be summaries the following way:
Variation – Every specie defers from one another, so due to those differences some of them
can adopt better that the rest

Over-production – Most organisms produce more than what will survive to adulthood.

Struggle for existence – Population does not increase exponentially, so therefore there must
be competition for survival.

Survival of the fittest – Only the organisms that adopt well will survive.

Advantageous characteristics are passed on to the offspring – Only the well adapted
organisms will be able to reproduce successfully and will pass on their advantageous
characteristics to their offspring.
Gradual change – Over a period of time a population will lose all poorly adapted.

Key definitions:
-Discontinuous variation- Blood groups (A,B,O and AB),you can’t be different group from the
mentioned above.

-Continuous variation- For example your height, your don’t have to be certain height, and
everyone defers

-Mutation sudden change in ones genes.

-Natural selection – The greatest chance of passing on of genes by the best-adapted

organisms.