BRAINCAKEThe Same Species in Different Environments
Members of the same species can look very different when they live in different environments. The phenotype of an organism results from the interaction of its genotype and the environment. Differences between populations may therefore be caused by the environment, by genetic differences, or by both.
Environmental effects
• Hydrangeas: genetically identical plants produce blue flowers in acidic soil, where more aluminium ions are available, and pink flowers in alkaline soil.
• Siamese cats and Himalayan rabbits: an enzyme needed to make dark pigment only works at lower temperatures, so the fur on the cooler parts of the body (ears, paws, nose and tail) is darker.
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More in Natural Selection
- Physiological Adaptation
- Behavioural Adaptation
- Grayling Butterflies
- Fungal Carnivores
- Natural Selection
- Natural Selection in Oysters
- Natural Selection in Moths
- Reproductive Success
All 29 lessons in Natural Selection · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics