Variation and Selection

Variation
 Variation is differences between individuals of the same species.

Phenotypic variation: difference in terms of features (caused by genetic and environmental factors)
Genotypic variation: difference caused by genes

Continuous variation: range of phenotypes between 2

extremes (height, mass, weight)
 every organism has the characteristic
 can be measured
 in ranges
 result of genes and environment
 bell curve graph

Discontinuous variation: limited phenotypes with no

intermediates (blood group, tongue rolling)
 either have characteristic or do not
 can’t be measured
 not in ranges
 result of genes only
 no fixed shape graph

Mutations
 Mutation is genetic change
 Gene Mutation is change in the base sequence of DNA

New alleles are formed by mutation.

Ionising radiation and some chemicals increase the rate of mutation.

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Symptoms:
 Strokes  Pain crises  Slow growth
 Blindness  Aching joints  Death of tissues linked
 Damage to lungs,  Fatigue to oxygen supply
kidneys and heart  Decreased  Less energy
 Poor circulation haemoglobin

Change in base sequence of the gene for haemoglobin results in:

 abnormal haemoglobin
 sickle shaped RBCs
 Less flexible RBCs (may get stuck in blood vessels)

HbA HbA: normal haemoglobin

HbA HbS: carrier with few symptoms and resistance to malaria
HbS HbS: abnormal haemoglobin (sickle cell anaemia)

In Africa the sickle cell trait is becoming more common as it provides resistance to malaria, which is
common over there. Those who have normal haemoglobin suffer from malaria and those who have
abnormal haemoglobin suffer from sickle cell anaemia. Only heterozygous individuals are likely to
survive.
Adaptive Features
 Adaptive Features are inherited features that helps organisms to survive and reproduce in its
environment
 Adaptive Features are the inherited functional features of an organism that increases its
fitness
 Fitness is the probability of an organism surviving and reproducing in the environment in
which it is found

Hydrophytes: plants adapted to live in extremely wet conditions

 Long stem – exposure to sunlight
 Large air spaces in leaves – buoyancy
 High conc. stomata on upper epidermis – all gas exchange happens on upper surface as the
leaf rests on water
 Small roots – nutrients can be extracted from water

Xerophytes: plants adapted to live in extremely dry conditions

 Thick waxy cuticle – reduces water loss
 Leaves modified to spikes – lesser surface area exposed to sun, hence cutting down water
loss
 Sunken stomata – reduces transpiration as stomata aren’t directly exposed
 Stem is thick and broad, and stores water
 Stem produces food – as it has chlorophyll
 Extensive and shallow roots – quick absorption of water in large amounts when it rains

Selection
 Evolution is the change in adaptive features of a population over time as the result of natural
selection
 The Process of Adaptation is the process, resulting from natural selection, by which
populations become more suited to their environment over many generations

Natural Selection involves:

 Variation withing populations
 Production of many offspring
 Competition for resources
 Struggle for survival
 Reproduction by individuals that are better adapted to the environment than others
 Passing on of their alleles to the next generation

Selective Breeding (Artificial Selection) involves:

 Selection by humans of individuals with desirable features
 Crossing these individuals to produce the next generation
 Selection of offspring showing the desirable features

Natural Selection Artificial Selection

Occurs naturally Occurs when humans intervene
Takes less time as humans chose individuals
Usually takes a long time to occur
with desired features
Organism benefits with respect to its Offers no benefit to an organism in its natural
environment environment