What is the Difference Between Genetic Variation and Environmental Variation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between genetic variation and environmental variation lies in the factors that cause the differences in traits or characteristics within a population.
Genetic Variation:
- Refers to the differences in genotype between individuals within the same species.
- Results from genetic mutations, recombination, and other genetic processes.
- Inherited from one's parents and passed on to the offspring.
- Examples include eye color, blood group, skin color, and hair color.
Environmental Variation:
- Refers to the differences in phenotype of a particular trait due to environmental factors.
- Caused by external factors such as light, temperature, moisture, lifestyle, etc.
- Do not pass to the next generation.
- Examples include height, weight, and acquired traits like scars or tattoos.
Most traits are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. For instance, a person's genetic information may determine their potential height, but environmental factors like nutrition and health can affect their actual height.
Comparative Table: Genetic Variation vs Environmental Variation
Here is a table comparing genetic variation and environmental variation:
Feature | Genetic Variation | Environmental Variation |
---|---|---|
Definition | Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA segments or genes between individuals within a population. | Environmental variation refers to the differences in traits or characteristics arising from non-genetic factors, such as climate, nutrition, or social interactions. |
Level of Variation | Occurs at the genetic level, including DNA, chromosomes, genes, and proteins. | Occurs at the phenotypic level, affecting an organism's physical appearance, behavior, or other observable traits. |
Role in Evolution | Genetic variation is essential for natural selection, as it allows organisms to adapt to changing environments and provides a basis for differential reproductive success. | Environmental variation can influence the expression of genetic traits, but it does not directly cause genetic changes. |
Sources | Genetic variation can be caused by mutations, gene duplication, random mating, and random fertilization. | Environmental variation arises from external factors, such as climate, nutrition, or social interactions. |
Examples | Examples of genetic variation include height, eye color, and hair color. | Examples of environmental variation include differences in physical appearance or behavior due to diet, upbringing, or cultural background. |
In summary, genetic variation is a result of differences in an organism's genetic makeup, while environmental variation is a result of non-genetic factors that influence an organism's traits or characteristics. Both types of variation play important roles in the development and evolution of populations.
- Genetic Variation vs Genetic Diversity
- Heredity vs Variation
- Artificial Selection vs Genetic Engineering
- Natural Selection vs Genetic Drift
- Natural Selection vs Evolution
- Somatic Variation vs Germinal Variation
- Genetics vs Heredity
- Genetic Diversity vs Species Diversity
- Natural Selection vs Adaptation
- Genetic Engineering vs Cloning
- Genetics vs Epigenetics
- Natural Selection vs Artificial Selection
- Genetic Drift vs Gene Flow
- Ecological vs Environmental
- Genetic Engineering vs Genetic Modification
- Selective Breeding vs Genetic Engineering
- Ecology vs Environment
- Gene Migration vs Genetic Drift
- Natural Selection vs Sexual Selection