Clarification Statement - S.HS.LS.3.2.CS:
Emphasis is on using data to support arguments for the way variation occurs including the relevant processes in meiosis and advances in biotechnology

Assessment Boundary - S.HS.LS.3.2.AB:
Assessment does not include the phases of meiosis or the biochemical mechanism of specific steps in the process.

Science and Engineering Practices - 9-12.SEP7.3:
Make and defend a claim based on evidence about the natural world that reflects scientific knowledge, and student-generated evidence.

Disciplinary Core Ideas - S.HS.LS.3.2.DCI:
LS3.B: Variation of Traits •In sexual reproduction, chromosomes can sometimes swap sections during the process of meiosis (cell division), thereby creating new genetic combinations and thus more genetic variation. Although DNA replication is tightly regulated and remarkably accurate, errors do occur and result in mutations, which are also a source of genetic variation. •(NYSED) Environmental factors can cause mutations in genes. Only mutations in sex cells can be inherited. •(NYSED) Advances in biotechnology have allowed organisms to be modified genetically. •Environmental factors also affect expression of traits, and hence affect the probability of occurrences of traits in a population. Thus the variation and distribution of traits observed depends on both genetic and environmental factors.

Crosscutting Concepts - CC2.8:
Empirical evidence is required to differentiate between cause and correlation and make claims about specific causes and effects.