AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Populations show variation– individuals are not identical. They differ in many different traits. Some of the variation between individuals in the population is heritable. It can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Detailed explanation-2: -Individuals in a population are naturally variable, meaning that they are all different in some ways. This variation means that some individuals have traits better suited to the environment than others. Individuals with adaptive traits-traits that give them some advantage-are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Detailed explanation-3: -Even within each species, individuals look similar to each other but they are not identical. These differences and similarities are because of many small differences between individuals’ genes. All organisms have DNA and each individual’s DNA is organised into genes. These contain the instructions to build our bodies.

Detailed explanation-4: -Despite this, modern genetic studies have found substantial average genetic differences across human populations in traits such as skin colour, bodily dimensions, lactose and starch digestion, high altitude adaptions, and predisposition to developing particular diseases.

Detailed explanation-5: -Genetic variation describes naturally occurring genetic differences among individuals of the same species. This variation permits flexibility and survival of a population in the face of changing environmental circumstances.