Genetic Variation in Populations Flashcards

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In biology, what is meant by a population?

A population is all the members of one species living in the same area at the same time.

What is variation within a species?

Variation is the differences in characteristics between individuals of the same species.

What are the two main causes of genetic variation in a population?

The two main causes are sexual reproduction and mutations in DNA.

What is genetic variation?

Genetic variation is differences between individuals caused by the genes and alleles they inherit.

What is environmental variation?

Environmental variation is differences caused by factors in an organism's surroundings, such as diet or climate. It is not caused by genes.

Give two characteristics that are mainly controlled by genes (genetic variation).

Examples include natural eye colour and blood group.

Give two characteristics that are strongly affected by the environment.

Examples include body mass and scars.

Give one characteristic that is affected by both genes and the environment.

Height is affected by both genes and environmental factors like diet.

How does sexual reproduction produce genetic variation?

Sexual reproduction mixes genes from two parents. This means each offspring gets a unique combination of alleles.

What is a mutation?

A mutation is a random change in the DNA sequence that can create a new allele.

Do most mutations have a big effect on an organism? Explain.

Most mutations have no effect at all. Only a few are harmful or helpful.

Why is genetic variation in a population important?

Genetic variation means some individuals may survive and reproduce if conditions change. This helps the population to continue.