1. Variability Unit 3-3 Notes Mr. Hefti – Pulaski Biology

2. What is variability? The amount of differences amongst traits that exist within a population of organisms.

3. Sources of variability 1.Mutation 2.Recombination (during sexual reproduction) 3.Crossing over (during gamete formation – meiosis)

4. Dog breeds demonstrate variability

5. Why is it important? With variability a population possesses traits that could be beneficial should a change in the environment occur.

6. What happens if a population lacks variability? It could go extinct.