Random Fertilisation & Genetic Variation
- Meiosis creates genetic variation between the gametes produced by an individual
- This means each gamete carries substantially different alleles
- During fertilisation, any male gamete can fuse with any female gamete to form a zygote
- This random fusion of gametes at fertilisation creates genetic variation between zygotes as each will have a unique combination of alleles
- Zygotes eventually grow and develop into adults
- Examples of genetic variation in humans include:
- Blood group
- Eye colour
- Gender
- Ability to roll tongue
- Whether ear lobes are free or fixed
Whether earlobes are attached (lobeless) or free (lobed) is an example of genetic variation
