Science Form 4 Chapter 3

3.6 Variation
 Variation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e
kDzlSB1p28
• Variation refers to the differences
between individuals of the same
species.
 Continuous Variation
• When there is a complete range of
measurements from one extreme to
another, the variation is called
continuous variation.
• Examples: heights of students,
weight of human, skin colour,
intelligence.
Continuous Variation – graph showing
Continuous
normal distribution in human height
 Discontinuous variation
• When the differences among individuals
fall into distinct明显categories, the
variation is called discontinuous
variation.
• Examples: the ability or inability to roll
tongue, variation in ear lobes, blood
group
Discontinuous variation – bar chart showing
discrete distribution in blood group
Science Module pg.56-59
 Factors which cause variation
a) Genetic factors
b) Environmental factors
• Continuous variation is caused by
genetic as well as environmental
factors.
• Discontinuous variation is caused by
genetic factors only.
 Genetic factors
• In meiosis, two events occur which
result in the gametes having different
genetic information:
a) Crossing-over
b) Random distribution of
chromosomes
Crossing-over in meiosis
 Crossing-over in meiosis
• During crossing-over, chromatids of a
pair of chromosomes exchange
genetic material.
Random distribution of chromosomes
Random distribution of chromosomes
• At a stage in meiosis, pairs of
chromosomes arrange themselves at
the cell equator.
• The arrangement is random. Hence,
the gametes formed have different
genetic information.
• Genetic variation can also be due to
mutation.
• e.g. Down’s syndrome
• Gene mutations produce new
characteristics such as albinism,
haemophilia and colour blindness.
 Environmental factors
• Such as climatic factors, nutrition
and physical activities.
• Example: Frequent exposure to Sun
causes fishermen to have darker skin
compared to office workers.
 The importance of variation
• To ensure the survival of a species
• Enable nature to select which favourable
characteristics to carry on and which to end.
• In agriculture, variations in crop plants and
animals allow selective breeding procedure to
be used.
Science Module pg.60