What are the two causes of variation? (2024)

Variation:

1. The difference in characteristics of individuals in a population is known as variation.
2. Variations occur as a result of recombination and mutation.
3. Variations enable organisms to adapt to environmental conditions.

Two main causes of variation:

Mutation:

1. Mutation refers to a sudden change in the nucleotide sequence of the genetic material of an organism.
2. Change in a particular gene causes variation which results in a change in the phenotype of the organism.
3. Mutations can be caused by various pollutants, radioactive substances, metals, etc.

Sexual reproduction:

1. The fusion of gametes promotes the various combination of genes in a population leading to genetic variation.
2. Changes in the genetic constitution occur while reproduction.
3. It helps in causing variation which eventually leads to evolution and survival advantage.