Biology Year 12 - Module 6 - Lesson 6
Fertilisation, Meiosis and Mutation as Causes of Genetic Variation
1. Key Ideas
Siblings can be genetically different even when no new mutation occurs, because meiosis reshuffles parental alleles and fertilisation combines gametes randomly. Mutation plays a different role: it introduces genuinely new alleles into the population. This lesson brings those sources of variation together and keeps their jobs separate.
- Mutation, meiosis and fertilisation all contribute to variation.
- These processes have different roles, not interchangeable roles.
2. Success Criteria
By the end, you should be able to:
- Mutation, meiosis and fertilisation all contribute to variation.
- Mutation creates new alleles.
- Meiosis and fertilisation mainly reshuffle existing alleles.
3. Key Terms
4. Activity: Build the Lesson Map
Use the lesson to complete the table. Keep answers brief but specific.
| Prompt | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Main concept | |
| Important example | |
| Common mistake to avoid | |
| How this links to the next lesson |
5. Short Answer Questions
1. Explain this lesson goal in your own words: "Mutation, meiosis and fertilisation all contribute to variation.". Use one specific example from the lesson.
2. Apply this idea to a new example: "Mutation creates new alleles.". Show your reasoning clearly.
3. Analyse why this idea matters for understanding Fertilisation, Meiosis and Mutation as Causes of Genetic Variation: "Meiosis and fertilisation mainly reshuffle existing alleles.".
6. Extend: Apply the Idea
A student gives a memorised answer about Fertilisation, Meiosis and Mutation as Causes of Genetic Variation but does not use evidence or reasoning.
Improve the answer by writing a stronger response that uses accurate terminology, a relevant example and a clear explanation.
7. Multiple Choice
1. What is the best first step when answering a question about Fertilisation, Meiosis and Mutation as Causes of Genetic Variation?
A. Identify the key concept being tested
B. Write every fact from memory
C. Ignore the command word
D. Skip examples and evidence
2. Which answer would show stronger understanding of Fertilisation, Meiosis and Mutation as Causes of Genetic Variation?
A. An answer with accurate terms and reasoning
B. A copied definition only
C. A single-word response
D. An answer with no example
3. What should you do if a question asks you to explain?
A. Link the idea to a reason or cause
B. List unrelated facts
C. Only draw a diagram
D. Write the shortest possible answer
8. Success Criteria Proof
Finish with evidence that you can do each success criterion.