Science·Ecosystems & Habitats·conceptual
Variation in Species
Explain variation within and between species, distinguishing between continuous variation (e.g. height) and discontinuous variation (e.g. blood group), and between genetic and environmental causes
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- Gives examples of continuous and discontinuous variation in humans
- Distinguishes between genetic causes of variation (inherited differences) and environmental causes (diet, sunlight, etc.)
- Explains why sexual reproduction produces greater variation than asexual reproduction
- Draws or interprets a frequency graph showing continuous variation
Assessment prompt
If Variation in Species looked around a classroom and noticed that everyone has slightly different heights, hair colours, and eye colours, could they explain why these differences exist — and which ones are inherited, which are down to the environment, and which are both?
Standards alignment
MS-LS3-2US · ngss-ms
MS-LS3-2
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Bio.Adaptation.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Variation and natural selection
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3