Ima

What is variation?

Variation means differences between living things of the same kind.

Example:

All humans are the same species, but we have different:

• height

• skin colour

• eye colour

• hair type

These differences are called variation.

What does “investigating variation” mean?

It means studying and finding out how living things are different from each other.

Scientists observe, compare, and record these differences.

How do we investigate variation?

1. Observe – Look carefully

   • Example:

   • Look at your classmates’ height or hair.

2. Compare – See how they are different or similar

   • Who is taller?

   • Who has curly hair?

3. Record – Write or draw what you see

   • Make a list or table.

4. Explain – Say why the differences may happen

   • Because of genes or environment.

Causes of variation

There are two main causes:

1. Genes 

   • Passed from parents to children

   • Example: eye colour, blood group

2. Environment 

   • Surroundings, food, climate

   • Example: height can be affected by nutrition

example

In your class:

• Some students are tall, some are short

• Some run fast, some run slow

This is variation, and when you study it, you are investigating variation.

Fun Fact

Even twins are not 100% the same — tiny differences always exist!