VARIATION
1. Differentiate between continuous and
discontinuous variation.
2. Define the term species.
3. Describe how new species are formed.
4. Define natural selection
5. Differentiate between natural and artificial
selection
6. Discuss the importance of genetic engineering
7. Discuss advantages and disadvantages in the
human population (social, ethical and ecological
implication).
Define Variation
• Variation is the differences between individuals within a species.
• Variation caused by inherited or environmental factors.
• There are two types of variation. Variation can be continuous or
discontinuous.
• Variation is important because it helps to ensure the survival of
a species.
Continuous Variation
• Continuous variation refers to the differences among individuals of a
species that are slight, merge or grade into each other and exits in
ranges between two extremes.
Examples of continuous variation are:
Height, foot length, human skin colour, leaf size, and pod size in
legumes.
DISCONTINUOUS
VARIATION
• Discontinuous variation refers to
the differences in variation that
are separate, clear-cut, there are
clear distinct differences. There
are distinct categories, there is no
in between.
• For example: Tongue rolling,
blood types, presence or absence
of horns in cattle.
GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION-DISCONTINUOUS
VARIATION
CAUSES OF VARIATION
• 1. GENETICS- The uniqueness of each individual of a species results
from genetic differences. Each individual inherits its own genes from
its parents. The genetic make-up of each individual is different
(except for clones). These differences maybe large or small.
• 2. ENVIRONMENT- The environment has an influence on ones
phenotype. For example: identical twins, eat at different times,
practice different sport activities, and reactions with various people
lead to the acquisition of subtle differences.
FORMATION OF
NEW SPECIES
SPECIES
NATURAL SELECTION
• Charles Darwin, who did extensive work in the area of evolution, is
credited for the origin of the theory of Natural Selection.
• He observed organisms that lived in the Galapagos Islands in the
Pacific Ocean. He noted that many individuals do not survive as they:
• Compete for limited food & resources
• Try to avoid predators
• Struggle to avoid disease
• Try to tolerate changes in the environment
In this case, only the fittest survived. Only the individuals that are best
adapted to their environment will have an advantage. They are more likely
to survive and produce offspring. Their offspring inherited advantages
characteristics that will help it adapt to its environment. Selection by the
environment is called natural selection. These individuals are said to have
selective advantage.
Single Characteristics Changed by Natural
Selection
During the industrial era in England,
soot from factories covered trees,
leaving the pale butterflies more
obvious to predators. As such, dark
moths survived leading to an increase
in their numbers.
In areas where there were little to no
factories, the pale moths are able to
camouflage itself better than the
darker moth.
Single Characteristics Changed by Natural
Selection
• Long neck giraffe evolved during a time of food
shortage. The tallest individuals that could reach
enough food would survive, passing on the tall
genes to their offspring.
Single Characteristics Changed by Natural
Selection
Artificial selection
• Artificial selection is the identification by humans of desirable
traits in plants and animals, and the steps taken to enhance and
perpetuate those traits in future generations.
• Selective breeding is the process by which humans use animal
breeding and plant breeding to selectively develop phenotypic
traits by choosing which typically animal or plant males and
females will sexually reproduce and have offspring together
• Example –Jamaica Hope
PURPOSE OF ARTIFICIAL SELECTION
• High yield
• Improved quality
• Reduced production costs
• Faster growth rates
• Greater resistance to diseases
(The use of steroids and hormones are sometimes used to quicken
growth and development).
GENETIC ENGINEERING
Genetic engineering, the artificial manipulation, modification,
and recombination of DNA or other nucleic acid molecules in
order to modify an organism or population of organisms.
An organism that has genes added to it from another species is
called transgenic.
• THINK OF SOME BENEFITS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING TO
THE FOOD INDUSTRY!
BENEFITS
Resistant to pathogens
Increased growth rates in salmon and chicken
Longer shelf-life of fruits such as tomato and banana
Increase in size and yield
Tastier and more nutritious
Production of meat with less fat
Production of better quality dairy products
Adaptation to tropical regions- cows and sheep
• THINK OF SOME BENEFITS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING TO
THE medical field !
Human insulin is now manufactured in bacteria, where it was once
obtained from pigs or cows. This caused many side-effects.
Now human gene is inserted in bacteria. Bacteria grows, multiplies and
produces insulin. Human insulin is then separated, purified and
produced on a large scale and used by thousands of diabetics.
IMPLICATIONS OF GENETIC
ENGINEERING
• 1. There may be long term effects of consuming GMO used in food
production. For example Bovine somatrophin (BST) a hormone
artificially created and injected in cows to stimulate growth and milk
production.
• GM crops with added nutrients and resistance to diseases can be
produced on large scale to alleviate starvation.
• Advances in medicine can lead to control of genetic diseases by
replacing defective genes such as the case with cystic fibrosis.
• The modification of plants and animals can be done to serve the
needs of human.
• The modification of plants and animals to serve the needs of humans
can be viewed as misuse of the environment.
Read up on more
advantages and
disadvantages of genetic
engineering.