Genetic and Environmental Variations
Your body's traits come from two main sources: genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variation refers to characteristics inherited from your parents, like eye colour, hair colour, height, and blood group. Specific abilities such as tongue rolling and conditions like cystic fibrosis are also genetic.
Environmental variation involves differences caused by where and how organisms live and grow. Things like accent, language, humour preferences, and religious beliefs develop through your surroundings and experiences. Physical marks like scars or health conditions like diabetes can also result from environmental factors.
The blueprint for genetic traits is stored in your cells. The nucleus contains chromosomes, which contain DNA, which contains your genes. These genes code for your characteristics. Humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in every cell, with different sections controlling specific traits like hair colour, blood group, and eye colour.
Did you know? Reproduction, a vital life process characteristic of all living things, comes in two forms: sexual reproduction involving two parents, and asexual reproduction involving just one parent. This process is essential for species survival!