Variation within species
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe examples of variation between individuals of the same species and explain what causes this variation.
Key learning points
- Differences between species are greater than differences within species.
- There are differences in the features of individuals of the same species, and this is called variation.
- Some variation is caused only by the environment (e.g. injuries).
- Some variation is caused only by inherited genetic information in the genome (e.g. blood type).
- Some variation results from a combination of genetic and environmental/lifestyle factors (e.g. body mass).
Keywords
Species - a group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring
Variation - differences between members of the same species
Environment - the external space around an organism that influences it
Lifestyle - the choices an individual makes as to how they live their life
Genetic - related to the genetic material (DNA) and genes that an individual has
Common misconception
All members of a species (especially non-human species) look exactly the same.
The lesson explores examples of variation between members of the same species, and causes of these variations.
Teacher tip
Some examples of variation in humans need to be treated sensitively, especially those related to health and lifestyle.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? A tattoo can be inherited.
Q2.True or false? Variation can be passed on to offspring if it is only caused by genetics.
Q3.Which statement about members of the same species is correct?
Q4.Which scientific word is used to refer to differences between organisms of the same species?
Q5.Which factors will cause variation between animals of the same species?
Q6.Which statement about baby orangutans is true?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A broken bone is an example of variation caused by …
Q2.__________ of the animal’s features are caused by genetic information in its cells.
Q3.Dimples in cheeks are an example of variation caused only by …
Q4.True or false? There are more differences between organisms of the same species than there are between organisms of different species.
Q5.Which student has the correct definition of a species?
Q6.Match the type of variation with its description.
caused by instructions in genes
caused by external factors like food availability and sunlight
caused by choices made by the organism
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Variation within species, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Variation within species, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Variation (differences within species) unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.