Lesson 1 of 8

Variation

Goal: Describe variation between and within species.

Puzzles for this lesson

Variation is the differences between living things. There is variation between species, and within each species too.

Between species. A species is a group of living things that can breed together to produce fertile offspring: young that can have young of their own. A cat and a goldfish are different species, and they differ in many ways.
Within a species. These kittens are all cats, yet no two look the same.

InheritedPassed on from parents in their genes: blood group, natural eye colour.

EnvironmentalCaused by surroundings and way of life: a scar, the language you speak.

BothHeight, body mass and skin colour depend on genes and on the environment.

Your turn

This lesson’s activity starts here in a moment.

I can give examples of both kinds of variation.I can say whether a feature is inherited, environmental or both.

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Variation The differences between living things

Species A group of living things that can breed together to produce fertile offspring

Gene A section of DNA that controls an inherited feature

For teachers: AQA 3.10.1 · Pearson Edexcel 9.7 in part · Cambridge 9Bp.03, 7Bp.03