Variation in Species
Explain variation within and between species, distinguishing between continuous variation (e.g. height) and discontinuous variation (e.g. blood group), and between genetic and environmental causes
Teaching approaches
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1 approach
If your child looked around a classroom and noticed that everyone has slightly different heights, hair colours, and eye colours, could they explain why these differences exist — and which ones are inherited, which are down to the environment, and which are both?
Explain variation within and between species, distinguishing between continuous variation (e.g. height) and discontinuous variation (e.g. blood group), and between genetic and environmental causes
Learning resources
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This concept
Check understanding
- Gives examples of continuous and discontinuous variation in humans
- Distinguishes between genetic causes of variation (inherited differences) and environmental causes (diet, sunlight, etc.)
- Explains why sexual reproduction produces greater variation than asexual reproduction
- Draws or interprets a frequency graph showing continuous variation
“If your child looked around a classroom and noticed that everyone has slightly different heights, hair colours, and eye colours, could they explain why these differences exist — and which ones are inherited, which are down to the environment, and which are both?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Ecosystems & Habitats
- Age range
- Ages 12–13
Standards