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Hundreds of common genetic variants across the human genome influence adult height, according to a study of over 180 000 individuals published today in the journal 'Nature'. The study itself identifies over a hundred new variants and shows that they are not randomly distributed, but are clustered around genes which have been previously linked to growth.Scientists have now identified a total of 180 genetic variants which influence height. Today's study, which includes funding from the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council, still only accounts for around 10 per cent of our inherited variation in height, highlighting the challenging nature of unravelling genetics.Height is a classic 'complex trait' - in other words, a trait that is influenced by a number of different genes and the environment. Over 80 per cent of the variation within a given population is estimated to be attributable to genetic factors; the remainder is influenced by a person's environment, such as their diet.

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Do the variations that occur among individuals of a species are or are not passed on to offspring?

The variations that occur among individuals of a species can be passed on to offspring if they are genetic traits. Genetic variations arise from mutations, recombination, and other processes, and these can be inherited by the next generation. However, variations that are acquired due to environmental factors or experiences (phenotypic variations) are typically not passed on genetically. Thus, only heritable variations contribute to the genetic diversity of future generations.


What are 2 variations of a human trait?

Two variations of a human trait are eye color and height. Eye color can range from brown to blue to green, influenced by genetic factors. Height varies significantly among individuals due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors such as nutrition. Both traits exemplify the diversity found within the human population.


What causes genetic divercity in animals?

Genetic diversity in animals comes from mutations, genetic recombination, and gene flow. Mutations are random changes in DNA, while genetic recombination occurs during crossing over in meiosis. Gene flow happens when individuals migrate and interbreed with other populations, introducing new genetic variations.


What is the relationship between genetic variations and mutations?

Mutations are random changes in DNA; genetic recombinations are new arrangements of genetic material (as a result of sexual reproduction). Together, they are the "fuel" that powers the "evolution machine," the direction of which is determined by natural selection.


Which of these was part of Charles Darwin's theory?

Genetic recombinations of DNA cause variations of genetic traits .

Related Questions

What causes genetic variations in humans?

meiosis... for example.. crossing over


What effects can mutations have on a virus?

They create genetic variations.


Why do huskies have blue eyes?

Huskies can have blue eyes due to a genetic trait called heterochromia, which causes variations in eye color. This trait is common in huskies and is a result of their genetic makeup.


Are Asians generally considered to be shorter in height compared to other ethnic groups?

Yes, on average, Asians tend to be shorter in height compared to other ethnic groups. This difference in height can be attributed to genetic factors and variations in diet and lifestyle.


What are genetic variations that are located close together called?

Genetic variations that are located close together on a chromosome are called linked variations or genetic linkage. These variations tend to be inherited together because they are physically near each other on the same chromosome.


What are genetic traits?

Genetic traits are variations of features passed on to offspring from there parents.


Why do Siberian Huskies have blue eyes?

Siberian Huskies can have blue eyes due to a genetic trait called heterochromia, which causes variations in eye color. This trait is common in Huskies and is a result of their genetic makeup.


What could happen to a species in a changing environment if the offspring do not have any genetic variations?

A scary cloney clone society. Genetic variations happen.


Is both of sexual and asexual have genetic variations?

Yes, both sexual and asexual reproduction can lead to genetic variations. Sexual reproduction generates genetic diversity through the shuffling of genetic material from two parents, while asexual reproduction can involve mutations and genetic changes over time.


Why does height in humans have such a wide variety in phenotypes?

Height in humans is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. Genetic variations in multiple genes interact with environmental factors such as diet, health, and living conditions to produce a wide range of phenotypes. This complex interaction results in a diverse range of heights observed among individuals.


What the average genetic difference between any two humans?

Humans share about 99.5% of their genetic material, leading to an average genetic difference of 0.5% between any two individuals. This small percentage accounts for variations in traits such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to diseases among individuals.


Do the variations that occur among individuals of a species are or are not passed on to offspring?

The variations that occur among individuals of a species can be passed on to offspring if they are genetic traits. Genetic variations arise from mutations, recombination, and other processes, and these can be inherited by the next generation. However, variations that are acquired due to environmental factors or experiences (phenotypic variations) are typically not passed on genetically. Thus, only heritable variations contribute to the genetic diversity of future generations.