Genetic variation – DNA differences
Differences in the genes of individuals of the same species that can be passed onto the next generation.
You should already know that genes are segments of DNA, and that the genome contains all the chromosomes and thus DNA.
NOTE:
Mutations produce genetic variation in organisms by creating new alleles.
Examples
Genetic variation within the genome creates differences. Such genetic differences are what produce males and females in mammals like lions and humans.
It also produces the different coloured markings of the peppered moth.
It can also produce variation in the form of individuals who suffer from diseases such as sickle cell anaemia or those who carry only one of the sickle cell alleles and therefore have resistance to malaria.
