Unit A Section 2.1

Question 1

Can all variation be seen:

Answer 1

No, some variation cannot be seen with a bare eye.
For example, humans have different blood types
Some jack pines can resist drought more than other jack pines.

Question 2

How do scientist understand variation:

Answer 2

scientists may explore which characteristics species pass along from generation to generation, and how these characteristics show up in individuals.
Also, examine the role of the environment in variation.

Question 3

Heritable characteristics

Answer 3

are passed on from generation to generation

ex. eye color, height, skin color

Question 4

Non-heritable characteristics

Answer 4

they are not passed on to other generations.

ex. piano skills and some disease or scars

Question 5

What are the two types of variations

Answer 5

Discrete and Continuous

Question 6

Discrete variation

Answer 6

refers to differences in characteristics that have a defined form. You can think of discrete variation as being the “either/or” form of a characteristic

Question 7

Continuous variation

Answer 7

refers to differences in characteristics that have a range of forms. They are not one form or another. For example, the height of adult humans can range from 1.2 m to 2.1 m. In squirrels, mass can range anywhere between 133 g and 249 g.

Question 8

Can variation also result from interactions

Answer 8

Yes.
Some variations in individual organisms result from interactions with the environment.
Height is a heritable characteristic. But height can be affected by diet