ENVIRONMENTAL VARIANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Environmental variance refers to a statistical term used in the field of genetics and population studies to describe the variability in traits or characteristics that arise due to differences in the surrounding environment. It is the component of phenotypic variation in a population that cannot be attributed to genetic factors alone, accounting for the impact of external factors on an individual's observable traits.
In genetics, individuals within a population share a common gene pool, yet they exhibit a range of phenotypic differences. These differences can be the result of genetic factors, which contribute to genetic variance, or the result of environmental influences, which contribute to environmental variance. Environmental variance includes variations caused by factors such as climate, nutrition, exposure to toxins, social interactions, and individual experiences.
The concept of environmental variance is important in understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in contributing to phenotypic diversity. By quantifying the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the observed variation in a trait, researchers can discern the extent to which genetic heritage or environmental influences are driving phenotypic differences within a population.
Analyzing and understanding environmental variance has implications in fields ranging from biology and ecology to agriculture and medicine. By accounting for environmental variance, scientists can better interpret the causes of phenotypic variation, identify potential genetic and environmental risk factors, and design targeted interventions or breeding strategies to optimize desirable traits or ameliorate detrimental ones.
Common Misspellings for ENVIRONMENTAL VARIANCE
- wnvironmental variance
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Etymology of ENVIRONMENTAL VARIANCE
The etymology of the term "environmental variance" can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts.
1. Environmental: The word "environmental" is based on the Old French word "environnement", which means "surroundings" or "condition". It originates from the Latin word "invironnare", meaning "to surround". The term gained popularity in English during the mid-19th century to refer to the natural surroundings or conditions that impact living organisms.
2. Variance: The word "variance" comes from the Latin word "varius", which means "different" or "varying". In statistics, variance refers to the measure of how much data points in a set deviate from the average or mean. It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
