‘CHAPTER RIS ) variations in organisms 1 Living organisms differ from one another, 2 Although individuals of the same species share the same form and general basic features, each individual of the same species is still different from one another. 3 Everyone is unique in terms of the combination of tens of thousands of genetically determined characters that we possess. However, there are some common traits. (a) Human beings differ in their heights, weights, and the colours of their eye and skin, (b) Some of these characters are inherited from their parents, for example, a person's blood group. (©) Others are the results of the environment. For instance, skin colour can be darkened, or tanned, seasonally through prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the (a) In addition, there are other characters which are the results of the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors, for example, the weight of a person. 4 Variations are the phenotypic differences among the individuals of a species + The bar chart can be redrawn as a smooth curve because there are many intermediate classes between the two extremes. + The results cluster around a mean value and show a normal distribution. rum peop 1200 200. 700 00. 00 #40 145 150155 160165170175 120 165 100 att (om) Figure 6.1. A histogram showing a continuous variation in the heights of human adults Variation > types of variations 1 There are two types of variations: (a) continous variation (b) discontinuous variation 2. Continuous variation is a type of variation (SR) in which the differences ina character are not distinet but forms continuum or continuous (Grange of intermediate phenotypes between two extremes. (2) In humans, heights and weights are examples of continuous variations. Other examples include chest circumferences, body mass and hand span. (b) Heights obtained from the measurements of @ sample of adult humans can be represented in a frequency histogram (Figute 6.1). 1 the mid-point of each bar is joined together, the curve formed is a smooth curve, known as a normal distri bution curve. This curv is bell-shaped. 3 ‘The characteristics ofa continuous variation Ble) There ae no distinctive categories into which individuals can be placed. (b) It is usually quantitative, that is, the characters can be measured. (6) The characters are controlled by a large number of genes. (a) The characters are significantly affected by the environment, (©) Continuous variation is the result of the combined effects of genes and the environment. 4. Discontinuous variation is atype of variation in which the differences in a character can be divided into two or afew types of distinct phenotypes, with no intermediate characteristics For example, (a) the four types of fingerprint patterns (b) the A,B, AB and O blood groups (c) the ability to roll the rongue (@) attached or free ear lobes (©) thumb hyperextension Inteligence is a continuous character because it uantiable, thats, itcan be measured