Scribd
Upload
794 views24 pages

Science Form 4 Chapter 3 3.6 3.7

Variation refers to differences between individuals of the same species. There are two types of variation: continuous variation, which shows a complete range of measurements, and discontinuous variation, where differences fall into distinct categories. Continuous variation is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, while discontinuous variation is solely due to genetic factors. Genetic variation arises through processes like crossing-over and random chromosome distribution in meiosis, as well as through mutations. Environmental factors like climate and nutrition can also influence continuous variation. Variation is important for the survival of species by allowing natural selection to operate.

Uploaded by

KSSM TSE
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
794 views24 pages

Science Form 4 Chapter 3 3.6 3.7

Variation refers to differences between individuals of the same species. There are two types of variation: continuous variation, which shows a complete range of measurements, and discontinuous variation, where differences fall into distinct categories. Continuous variation is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, while discontinuous variation is solely due to genetic factors. Genetic variation arises through processes like crossing-over and random chromosome distribution in meiosis, as well as through mutations. Environmental factors like climate and nutrition can also influence continuous variation. Variation is important for the survival of species by allowing natural selection to operate.

Uploaded by

KSSM TSE
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 24

Science Form 4 Chapter 3

3.6 Variation
Variation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e
kDzlSB1p28
• Variation refers to the differences
between individuals of the same
species.
Continuous Variation
• When there is a complete range of
measurements from one extreme to
another, the variation is called
continuous variation.
• Examples: heights of students,
weight of human, skin colour,
intelligence.
Continuous Variation – graph showing
Continuous
normal distribution in human height
Discontinuous variation
• When the differences among individuals
fall into distinct明显categories, the
variation is called discontinuous
variation.
• Examples: the ability or inability to roll
tongue, variation in ear lobes, blood
group
Discontinuous variation – bar chart showing
discrete distribution in blood group
Science Module pg.56-59
Factors which cause variation
a) Genetic factors
b) Environmental factors
• Continuous variation is caused by
genetic as well as environmental
factors.
• Discontinuous variation is caused by
genetic factors only.
Genetic factors
• In meiosis, two events occur which
result in the gametes having different
genetic information:
a) Crossing-over
b) Random distribution of
chromosomes
Crossing-over in meiosis
Crossing-over in meiosis
• During crossing-over, chromatids of a
pair of chromosomes exchange
genetic material.
Random distribution of chromosomes
Random distribution of chromosomes
• At a stage in meiosis, pairs of
chromosomes arrange themselves at
the cell equator.
• The arrangement is random. Hence,
the gametes formed have different
genetic information.
• Genetic variation can also be due to
mutation.
• e.g. Down’s syndrome
• Gene mutations produce new
characteristics such as albinism,
haemophilia and colour blindness.
Environmental factors
• Such as climatic factors, nutrition
and physical activities.
• Example: Frequent exposure to Sun
causes fishermen to have darker skin
compared to office workers.
The importance of variation
• To ensure the survival of a species
• Enable nature to select which favourable
characteristics to carry on and which to end.
• In agriculture, variations in crop plants and
animals allow selective breeding procedure to
be used.
Science Module pg.60

You might also like