variation

Variation

Differences found among individuals in a population due to genetic variations or environmental influences.

Genetic Variation

Occurs due to mutations, gene flow, and sexual reproduction.

Environmental Variation

Results from the influence of external factors such as climate, nutrition, and habitat.

Continuous Variation

Characteristics that can take any value within a range (e.g., height, weight, skin color).

Discontinuous Variation

Characteristics that fall into distinct categories (e.g., blood type, flower color).

Natural Selection

The process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Peppered Moth

An example of natural selection where changes in coloration were noted due to industrial pollution.

Antibiotic Resistance

A phenomenon where bacteria that develop resistance to antibiotics survive and multiply.

Artificial Selection

The selective breeding of plants and animals for desirable traits.

Adaptations

Features that enhance survival in a particular environment; can be structural, behavioral, or functional.

Camouflage

Coloration that helps an organism blend into its surroundings.

Migration

Seasonal movement of organisms to find food or suitable breeding conditions.