Final answer:
Biology and genetics play crucial roles in the development and functioning of living organisms, influencing physical characteristics and traits through heredity. They contribute to population dynamics and species diversity through genetic variation and environmental factors interacting with genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biology and genetics are both essential factors in the development and functioning of living organisms. They influence an individual's physical characteristics and traits through the process of heredity and inheritance. One specific example is the ABO blood type system in humans, where three alleles determine the particular blood-type carbohydrate on the surface of red blood cells.
Genes and Environment in Phenotypic Variation
While genes play a significant role in determining an organism's characteristics, environmental factors also affect how genes are expressed, resulting in variations in phenotype. For example, sunlight and food availability can influence the expression of an organism's genes.
Population Genetics and Diversity
The interaction between biology and genetics leads to diverse populations and species. Genetic variation within a population, caused by different alleles conferring different phenotypes, and environmental factors interacting with genes, contribute to population dynamics and natural selection.