Genetic variation
What Genetic variation means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Genetic variation
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Reference: OCR
Produced through meiosis and random fertilisation in sexual reproduction, allowing populations to survive shifting environmental pressures.
There is usually extensive genetic variation within a population of a species, arising fundamentally through spontaneous mutations in DNA.
Produced in offspring by sexual reproduction, it improves survival if the environment changes, whereas asexual reproduction gives none.
New combinations of alleles in the spores produced by sexual reproduction, meaning some offspring may survive changed conditions.
Created in gametes by crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis.
Topics that use Genetic variation
- Advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction (biology only) (AQA GCSE)
- Sexual and asexual reproduction (AQA GCSE)
- Inheritance (OCR GCSE)
- Natural selection and evolution (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Sexual reproduction
- Asexual reproduction
- gamete formation
- meiosis
- Adaptation and survival
- allele diversity
- Antibiotic resistance
- Application to unfamiliar organisms
Using Genetic variation in the exam
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