Variation

•Variation is the existence of variety and differences

within and between species
•On the surface organisms may look identical but on
closer inspection show a great deal of variation in their
genetics, behaviour and lifestyles
Father of Modern Genetics?
Father of Modern Genetics
Gregor Mendel (1822-84) an Austrian
monk and biology teacher
Worked on garden pea, Pisum sativum
His precise statistical work on single
gene factors such as stem length and
pod colour showed the presence of
inherited characteristics – now known
as genes.
Types of Variation - Continuous
The full range of variables between 2
extreme values
Examples in nature include : height,
weight, length, size
Data is normally presented in a Normal
Distribution bell-shaped curve
Types of Variation - Discontinuous
Also known as Discrete variables
Variables are assigned to clearly defined
categories or distinct groups
Examples include : sex, blood groups,
colour
Data usually presented as a bar graph
Variation within species
This relies upon mutations within a
species
This variation is acted upon by selection
pressure
Only the fittest individuals will survive
to breed
This is the way that Evolution via
Natural Selection.
Genetic Variation
Every person on Earth has their own
unique genetic make-up (unless they are an
identical twin)
Most of our 25,000 genes are controlled
by more than 1 allele
A few traits are determined by a single
allele e.g. sex, eye colour, blood group,
inherited diseases
Caused by miscopying of the DNA of
gametes resulting in changes in (or loss
of) proteins
Environmental Variation
Most variables are affected by the
environment
Skin colour, weight, height, dialects,
accents etc are all influenced by this
There is a recognised relationship
between genes & environment
Most phenotypic traits are affected by
this