Year 8 - Science
Variation within species
Variation (differences within species)
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit examines variation within species, both continuous and discontinuous, using measurements and graphical representations. It also emphasises objectivity, accuracy, precision, and repeatability in investigations, the use of appropriate techniques, and the effective presentation of data.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe examples of variation between individuals of the same species and explain what causes this variation.
Key Notes
- Differences between species are greater than differences within species.
- There are differences in the features of individuals of the same species, and this is called variation.
- Some variation is caused only by the environment (e.g. injuries).
- Some variation is caused only by inherited genetic information in the genome (e.g. blood type).
- Some variation results from a combination of genetic and environmental/lifestyle factors (e.g. body mass).
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All members of a species (especially non-human species) look exactly the same.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Differences between species are greater than differences within species. There are differences in the features of individuals of the same species, and this is called variation.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'species'
a group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: All members of a species (especially non-human species) look exactly the same. Correction: The lesson explores examples of variation between members of the same species, and causes of these variations.
More Lessons In This Unit
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