NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Some variation is passed on from parents to offspring, via genes during reproduction. This is inherited variation. Some variation is the result of differences in the surroundings, or what an individual does. This is called environmental variation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Genetic variations can arise from gene variants (also called mutations) or from a normal process in which genetic material is rearranged as a cell is getting ready to divide (known as genetic recombination). Genetic variations that alter gene activity or protein function can introduce different traits in an organism.

Detailed explanation-3: -Environmental causes of variation Characteristics of animal and plant species can be affected by factors such as climate, diet, accidents, culture and lifestyle.

Detailed explanation-4: -Geographically structured variation in phenotypic traits can result from genetic and environmental factors. Divergence may be primarily caused by environmental effects, which are mediated by phenotypic plasticity, the differential expression of traits under different environmental conditions (Hoffmann et al., 2005).