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Year 8

Variation within species

I can describe examples of variation between individuals of the same species and explain what causes this variation.

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New
New
Year 8

Variation within species

I can describe examples of variation between individuals of the same species and explain what causes this variation.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Differences between species are greater than differences within species.
  2. There are differences in the features of individuals of the same species, and this is called variation.
  3. Some variation is caused only by the environment (e.g. injuries).
  4. Some variation is caused only by inherited genetic information in the genome (e.g. blood type).
  5. Some variation results from a combination of genetic and environmental/lifestyle factors (e.g. body mass).

Common misconception

All members of a species (especially non-human species) look exactly the same.

The lesson explores examples of variation between members of the same species, and causes of these variations.

Keywords

  • Species - a group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring

  • Variation - differences between members of the same species

  • Environment - the external space around an organism that influences it

  • Lifestyle - the choices an individual makes as to how they live their life

  • Genetic - related to the genetic material (DNA) and genes that an individual has

Some examples of variation in humans need to be treated sensitively, especially those related to health and lifestyle.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
True or false? A tattoo can be inherited.
An image in a quiz
true
Correct answer: false
Q2.
True or false? Variation can be passed on to offspring if it is only caused by genetics.
Correct answer: true
false
Q3.
Which statement about members of the same species is correct?
They cannot reproduce to make offspring.
They can reproduce to make offspring of any species.
Correct answer: They can only reproduce to make offspring of the same species.
They can only reproduce to make infertile offspring.
Q4.
Which scientific word is used to refer to differences between organisms of the same species?
Correct answer: variation
reproduction
diversity
alternatives
competition
Q5.
Which factors will cause variation between animals of the same species?
Correct answer: The environmental conditions the animals live in.
Correct answer: Injuries to the animals.
Similarities between the animals.
Correct answer: The animals' genomes.
The number of animals living in the habitat.
Q6.
Which statement about baby orangutans is true?
An image in a quiz
A baby orangutan only looks like its mother.
A baby orangutan only looks like its father.
Correct answer: A baby orangutan looks like both of its parents.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A broken bone is an example of variation caused by …
An image in a quiz
genetics.
environment.
Correct answer: lifestyle.
Q2.
__________ of the animal’s features are caused by genetic information in its cells.
An image in a quiz
All
Correct answer: Some
None
Q3.
Dimples in cheeks are an example of variation caused only by …
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: genetics
environment
lifestyle
Q4.
True or false? There are more differences between organisms of the same species than there are between organisms of different species.
true
Correct answer: false
Q5.
Which student has the correct definition of a species?
Jun: "A group of organisms living in the same habitat."
Same: "A group of organisms with identical features."
Correct answer: Andeep: "A group of organisms that can produce fertile offspring."
Q6.
Match the type of variation with its description.
Correct Answer:genetic,caused by instructions in genes

caused by instructions in genes

Correct Answer:environment,caused by external factors like food availability and sunlight

caused by external factors like food availability and sunlight

Correct Answer:lifestyle,caused by choices made by the organism

caused by choices made by the organism