Genetic

Variation
Why does it matter

LEARNING INTENTION
We

will explain the importance of

variation, and describe discrete and
continuous variation.

Skills

gathering and interpreting data.

Genetic Variation
What

is variation?

This is the differences that occur in a

population. This variation is determined
by our genetics.
Our genetics are determined at a cellular
level but more about that later.

Try this exercise

In

your workbooks on page 69 there is a

table to complete

Go

around the class and see who has

what features?

What

are the most common?

Now try this

On

page 70 in the skill box it asks you to

complete a table and graph.
You are looking at variation in height of
your classmates.
Put the height into 5cm ranges starting
at 155-160cm.
Plot the data.

Discrete and continuous data

Discrete

data only has a yes/no type of

answer.
Continuous data can have many
answers
Lets list some e.gs of discrete and
continuous variation.

Why do we have
variation?
Survival
What
It

of the fittest.

does this mean?

means that the more diverse a

population is, the less likely it is to face
extinction in less favourable conditions.

Sexual Reproduction
Sexual

reproduction when 2 parents

have an offspring.
Gamete + gamete = zygote
OR
Egg + Sperm = fertilised egg
OR
23 chromosomes + 23 chromosomes =
46 chromosomes