Variation 1

Variation Differences between members of the same species are referred to as variation. In this classroom there is a large variation including traits such as; Height, mass, eye colour, skin pigmentation, hair colour, ear shape, eye shape, hairline shape, tongue rollers/non-tongue rollers, left-right handed.

Non-visible Variation There are also non-visible variations such as blood type etc.

Inheritable v’s Non-inheritable Variation Characteristics which we inherit from our parents are called inheritable variation. Characteristics which are a result of our surrounding environment are called non-inheritable variation.

Read the list of characteristics below and classify them in a Venn Diagram. Some characteristics may fit into both categories. Eye colour blood type skin colour Scar tissue freckles hair colour Writing hand dimples ear lobe shape Height hair line shape mass Personality intelligence

Venn Diagram Inheritable Both Inheritable Both Environmental

Continuous Variation Characteristics that have a wide range of possibilities and which are measured, are examples of continuous variation e.g. height.

Discontinuous Variation Characteristics that have a limited range of possibilities, and which are not measured, are examples of discontinuous variation e.g. eye colour.

Continuous or Dis-continuous?? Body mass Writing hand Blood type Length of big toe Ability to roll tongue Hair line shape Hitchhiker’s thumb Ear lobe shape