Variations Between Individuals

Definition

Variations between individuals refer to differences in physical and behavioral traits among members of a species due to genetic and environmental factors.

Analogy

Consider a box of assorted chocolates. Each piece may be different - some might be dark chocolate, others milk chocolate; some might have nuts while others could be filled with caramel. Similarly, each individual within a species has unique variations that make them distinct from others.

Related terms

Mutation: A change in DNA sequence that affects genetic information and can lead to variation between individuals.

Natural Selection: The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring leading to evolution over time.

Adaptation: Changes in physical structure, function or behavior that allow an organism or species to survive and reproduce in a given environment.