Which phrase best defines an environmental variation?

• differences caused by surroundings or events
• similarities among species
• differences caused by DNA
• similarities among individuals

differences caused by surroundings or events

The phrase that best defines an environmental variation is "differences caused by surroundings or events". Environmental variation refers to differences in traits or characteristics of organisms that are caused by external factors, such as changes in the environment or specific events.

The phrase that best defines an environmental variation is "differences caused by surroundings or events."

To understand this definition, let's break down the other options and see why they are not the best choices:

- "Similarities among species": This phrase refers to the shared characteristics or traits among different species, which is not the same as an environmental variation.
- "Differences caused by DNA": While DNA plays a role in determining certain traits and characteristics, it is not specifically related to the environmental variations that this question is asking about.
- "Similarities among individuals": This phrase refers to the shared traits or characteristics among members of the same species, which is also not the same as an environmental variation.

To find the best answer, we need to focus on the phrase that reflects differences caused specifically by surroundings or events. Environmental variations are variations or differences in characteristics, traits, or behaviors of individuals that are caused by factors in their environment, such as temperature, light, availability of resources, or exposure to specific events. Therefore, the phrase "differences caused by surroundings or events" best defines an environmental variation.