Describe6 marksChallenge
A biologist studied leaf length in two populations of the same plant species. Population A grows in shaded woodland and Population B in open grassland. The biologist measured leaf length (cm) in 40 plants from each population. The results are shown.
| Population | Mean leaf length (cm) | Standard deviation |
|---|---|---|
| A | 8.2 | 1.4 |
| B | 10.5 | 1.6 |
The biologist also noted that flower colour in this species is either red or white, with no intermediate colours, and that this trait is controlled by a single gene.
Describe the types of variation shown by leaf length and flower colour. Explain how genetic and environmental factors contribute to these types of variation. Suggest how the biologist could determine whether the difference in mean leaf length between the two populations is significant.