Step 1: Prepare for the project. a) Read the entire Student Guide before you begin this project. b) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for help before you begin. Step 2: Analyze claims. a) Consider the following claims. i. Inherited genetic variations are caused by genetics only. They are caused by crossing over and assortment in the development of sex cells in meiosis. The random joining of sex cells can also be a source of genetic variation. Mutations also cause variations in genetic sequences. Mutations are always harmful. Student Guide (continued). ii. Inherited genetic variations are caused and influenced by environmental factors only. Factors like an organism’s habitat conditions and behavior can affect variation within a population. b) Think about what these claims are saying. Determine if you support these claims. If you support these claims, do you support the totality of the claims or just parts of the claims? Step 3: Make a claim. a) Recall what you know about crossing over, independent assortment, and random joining of sex cells during sexual reproduction. b) Now, go back to the claims in Step 2a. Do you support these claims? If so, do you support the totality of the claims or just parts of the claims? c) Based on your prior knowledge, make a claim about the factors that cause inherited genetic variations within populations. Also make a claim about the effects of mutations. Write your claim in your notebook. Step 4: Conduct research to support your claim. a) For each part of your claim, conduct research to provide two examples of scientific information that supports it. i. Scientific information may be gathered from reputable websites, scientific journals, and video lessons from scientists or educators, information from government agencies, or interactive activities from universities or other educational sites. b) Be sure to take notes in your notebook. c) Keep track of the sources you use. You will need to cite them later. Step 5: Type your research paper. a)