Variation

Question 1

Continuous variation

Answer 1

Includes a range of values instead of just fixed categories e.g. height, weight, foot size, hair length, finger length

Question 2

Discontinuous variation

Answer 2

Has set categories e.g. eye colour, left or right handed, blood group, skin tone, hair colour.

Question 3

What two factors cause variation?

Answer 3

Genetics and environment.

Question 4

Define genetic variation

Answer 4

An organisms genes control its characteristics and different genes lead to genetic variation. In humans, only identical twins will have similar genes, but there will still be some differences between them.

Question 5

Define environmental variation

Answer 5

Is caused by difference in the environment or in our choices e.g. colouring hair and how much food is available. Most environment variation is brought about by a persons choices. Tattoos and body art are examples of environmental variation.