Variation

Question 1

What is the difference between genetic and environmental variation?

Answer 1

Genetic variation is inherited; environmental variation is caused by surroundings.

Question 2

Distinguish between continuous and discontinuous variation.

Answer 2

Continuous variation refers to traits that can be measured on a scale and change gradually, like height or weight. Discontinuous variation refers to traits that fall into distinct categories with no intermediate values, like eye color or blood type.

Question 3

What causes genetic variation?

Answer 3

Mutations and sexual reproduction.

Question 4

What causes environmental variation?

Answer 4

Differences in lifestyle, diet, climate, and experience.

Question 5

How do genes and environment both contribute to variation in a characteristic?

Answer 5

Genes set potential; environment affects how or whether traits are expressed.