==
Variation
"5a. diverenge in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism form the species or population norm or average (CITE - WEBSTER DICTIONARY)."
"1. divergence in one or more characteristics of an organism or biotype from those typical of or usual for its group" (CITE).
"Variation." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2013. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variation>.
- I created this page but wasn't logged in! I hope this says "edited by michmorg".
Non-genetic variation
Variation not caused due to genetic differences. This type of variation can be due to environmental causes such as avalibility of resources (Webster, 2000). For example, plants that receives a ready supply of water and nutriets will grow taller than those which do not. These types of variation are not passed on to the next generation (Webster, 2000).
Webster, S. (2000). The Kingfisher book to Evolution: Basics for evolution. pp. 25
Simply because a characteristic or variation is not due to genetic variation does not mean it does not play a role in evolution. Environmental factors such as increased temperature, altered habitat, pollution, high-fat diet, and endocrine disruptors can have transgenerational effects which can play a role in the evolution of species (Bonduriansky, Crean, & Day, 2012).
Bonduriansky, R., Crean, A., & Day, T. (2012). The implications of nongenetic inheritance for evolution in changing environments. Evolutionary Applications, 5(2), 192-201. doi:10.1111/j.1752-4571.2011.00213.x