4.2.2 (f)the different types of variation

To include intraspecific and interspecific variation AND the differences between continuous and discontinuous variation, using examples of a range of characteristics found in plants, animals and microorganisms AND both genetic and environmental causes of variation

variation meaning

• refers to the differences between living organisms

• Variation can be:

  • between different species or within a single species

  • continuous or discontinuous

  • caused be genetic and/or environmental factors

Interspecific variation

• variation that exists between individuals of different species

• Interspecific variation can be useful for classifying organisms into species groups

  • Different species may show clear phenotypic variation that can help differentiate them

  • Some species have such similar phenotypes that they can be very difficult to distinguish, meaning that genetic variation must be used for classification.

intraspecific variation

• variation which exists between individuals of the same species

  • These differences are smaller than those found between individuals of different species

• Variation within a species allows natural selection to occur

discontinuous variation