1Section 1 of 1About 1 min
Heredity: Core Framework
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Heredity is the transmission of traits and genetic information from parents to offspring.
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The branch of biology that studies genes, heredity and variation is called Genetics.
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Offspring resemble their parents because they inherit genes, but their final characteristics may also be influenced by the environment.
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Variation means differences among individuals of the same species.
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Genetic variation can arise through:
- mutation;
- crossing over;
- independent assortment of chromosomes;
- random fertilisation.
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Variation provides the raw material for evolution and natural selection.