1. Variation of the Species

2. Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson you should be able to
Define Community
Define Niche
Discuss the diversity of organisms
Define the term species

3. Classification Means placing objects into groups based on similar characteristics

7. Species A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Eg, Humans, Cats, Dogs, Oak Trees

8. Taxonomy The study of classification

9. Community
A community is all the different populations in an area

10. Niche
A ecological niche of an organism is the functional role it plays in the community.
Reduces competition between species.

11. Variation
Variation within a species means that in a group of successfully interbreeding organisms the individual members show different characteristics

12. There are two types of variation – Acquired variations and Inherited variations
Acquired variations are not inherited but are learned or developed
Inherited variations are controlled by genes

13. Speciation Is the production of a new species as a result of evolution

14. Tiger – a member of the cat family

15. Lion – a member of the cat family

16. Liger = Male Lion + Female Tiger

18. Liger Family in Chinese Zoo

20. Tigon = Male tiger + Female Lion
Males are sterile but female are fertile – so not a new species

21. For a new species to be formed all the offspring must be fertile

25. Learning Check What is meant by variation?
Give the definition for species
Why is a liger not a new species?

26. End