Evolution of Australian Biota Topic 4:

Variation and Evolution

Variation

The term variation applies to the differences in the characteristics (appearance or genetic
make-up) of individuals within a population.
Inherited variations occur in all types of plants and animals. Organisms in a population may
vary in appearance, physiology and behaviour. Heredity and variation are both essential for
evolution to occur.
Variations, which may pass from one generation to another, are often produced in a
population as the result of mutation. A mutation is a change in the genetic make-up of an
individual.
If individuals within the population become so different that they can no longer interbreed,
then the population is considered to be a new species. Therefore, variation in a population is
extremely important as it gives the population a better chance of surviving a sudden
environmental change.

Darwin-Wallace theory of evolution by natural selection

There are four main parts to natural selection:

1. Variation individuals within a population that reproduce sexually show variations that can
be passed from one generation to the next.
2. Natural selection selective pressure puts constraints on organisms and determine which
individuals are best suited to the prevailing conditions.
3. Survival of the fittest individuals with favourable variations have a greater chance of
survival because they out-compete those with less favourable variations.
4. Isolation if a population is isolated from the original population, the interbreeding will be
prevented over a period of time. This is necessary for evolution of a new species to occur.

Case Study Baw Baw Frog

1. Describe two ways in which the Australian Government is involved.

The Australian Government has provided funding to support research and population
monitoring on the species through its endangered species program. The legislation at both
state and federal levels identifies research and management required to conserve the
species.
2. Explain the importance of amphibians like the Baw Baw Frog when aiming to monitor
biodiversity.
The monitoring program distinguishes between real population trends and natural
population fluctuations that can occur in response to variable factors. Surveys are
conducted to detect real trends in population size.
3. How is the Baw Baw Frog being monitored?
It is monitored by the frog monitoring program.
Propose reasons for the evolution, extinction & survival of Australian species.
Australian Example
Thylacine

Evolved/Extinct/Survived
Extinct

Diprotodon optamum

Extinct

Phalanger maculatus

Survived

Macropus Species

Extinct

Reasons
Competition with dogs,
habitat loss, changing fire
regimes, epidemic disease,
government orders
Hunted humans, loss of
vegetation due to fire activity
Feeds on grasses, herbs and
forbs
Increase of habitat locations,
ability to survive in arid
environments
Prefers dry schlerophyll
Food chain imbalances led to

starvation of dinosaurs
Ash and gas spewing from
volcanoes suffocated
dinosaurs
Big meteorite crashed into
earth, changing climate
conditions drastically,
prohibiting dinosaur survival