Causes of Variation in Multicellular Organisms

List at least one cause of variation in multicellular organisms.

(a)  

Define meiosis

Define mutation(s)

Define environmental factor(s)

Define gene flow

In your own words, explain how meiosis can cause variation in organisms.

How can meiosis lead to variation?

• Meiosis eliminates genetic variation completely.
• Meiosis only occurs in somatic cells.
• Meiosis results in identical daughter cells.
• Meiosis involves crossing over and independent assortment.

In your own words, explain how mutations can introduce variation.

How can mutations lead to genetic variation?

• Mutations only occur in non-inheritable traits.
• Mutations decrease the overall genetic diversity.
• Mutations have no effect on genetic variation.
• Mutations alter DNA sequences, which can be inherited.

In your own words, explain how the environment can lead to variation.