Scientists use whale flukes to identify individuals in a population. which of the following characteristics of a whale fluke is not a genetic variation passed on from parent to offspring?

a.) coloration of the fluke
b.) shape of the fluke
c.) size of the fluke
d.) scars on the fluke

The correct answer is option D, Scars on the fluke

Explanation:

The naturally existing characteristics such as colour, shape and size of any organism are linked to the genetic traits expressed. Only genetically controlled characteristics are passed on from generation to generation.  

However, scars on the body (are caused due to external environmental factors) are not genetically controlled feature and thus it will not be passed on from parents to offspring.  

cells use diffusion to get substances in and out of themselves. that diffusion will occur across the cell membrane or the outer covering of the cell. because we are talking about the surface of the cell, surface area and volume are  important factors here. as a cell increases in size, its surface area and volume increase as well.  we call that the surface area to volume ratio (sa: vol).  but the catch is that  volume increases at a greater rate than surface  area. in other words, as a cell gets bigger, the sa: vol gets smaller. so a really small cell like bacteria is mostly cell membrane (surface) with very little contents (volume). a really big cell like an egg, is mostly insides with a super thin membrane. so what ends up happening is that the cell cannot efficiently diffuse all of the stuff it needs in/out to survive. therefore cell size is limited to about 100mm. so how do we make organisms bigger than 100mm? cells divide! by dividing and becoming multicellular, organisms are able to grow!   check out the diagrams i attached to see the effect of sa: vol. i hope this ! good luck!