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Evolution: Evidence and Mechanisms Ms. Clay

Sources of Genetic Variation 9-10 College Prep Biology

Guided Notes

Objective: After this lesson, students will be able to describe three different ways how genetic variation
comes into a population, and why each one is important. (HS-LS4-2)

Think About It…

What are some physical traits that you have that are different from some of your classmates?

What are some physical traits that you have that are different from your siblings or close family members?

Genetic Variation and Environmental Variation

Differences caused by: Example:
Genetic
Variation

Environmental
Variation

Three ways to get Genetic Variation:

1.
2.
3.

Mutations:

Happen when the in a changes.

May have no effect, a small one, or a large one depending on

A mutation may be passed on if

1.

2.

Mutations happen randomly, which means they aren’t able to

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Causes of Mutations
DRAW: what happens during a DNA copying error?

Two ways that mutations happen:

1.

2.

Which is more likely to lead to evolutionary change?

Going from Genotype to Phenotype

mRNA

•Double strand
of nucleotides
that forms the
“blueprint” of
the organism.

Example: Genotype to Phenotype

The Genotype of a Golden Tiger is:

The Phenotype of a Golden Tiger is:

Gene Flow:
When an individual from another population moves into a location, it brings

Interbreeding between that individual and individuals already there changes the
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Sexual Reproduction
How genes are “shuffled” into new combinations.
For each gene, you receive one copy from

You and your siblings might have different versions of a gene because

Sexual Reproduction: Think About It…

How do genes get shuffled into new combinations during sexual reproduction?

Meiosis and Crossing Over

Genes on are randomly distributed during meiosis.

Genes on may be split up because of crossing over.

Draw the chromosomes after each stage of meiosis.

How does meiosis lead to new traits?

Many are caused by a of different genes.

Mixing of can lead to new that didn’t exist in either parent.

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Multiple-Gene Traits: Think about it.

If a population of white tigers and a population of golden tigers mixed, which phenotypes would you expect
to see after a few generations?

Punnet Squares (These might help you with the think about it).
wB wB wB wB
Wb

Wb

Wb

Wb

WB Wb wB wb
WB

Wb

wB

wb

Linkage:
Genes will be passed on together more often if they are

From Mutation to Adaptation

What is Adaptation?

Think About It…

Would a genetically diverse population have an advantage or disadvantage in a changing environment?
Why?