Genetic Diversity

Question 1

What is genetic diversity?

Answer 1

Number of different alleles of genes in a population

Question 2

What are alleles and how do they rise?

Answer 2

• Variations of a particular gene (same locus) but different DNA base sequence
• Arise by mutation

Question 3

What is a population?

Answer 3

• A group of interbreeding individuals of the same species

Question 4

Explain the importance of genetic diversity?

Answer 4

• Enables natural selection to occur
• As in certain environments, a new allele of a gene might benefit its possessor
• By resulting in a change in the polypeptide coded for that positively changes its properties
• Giving possessor a selective advantage (increases chances of of survival and reproductive success)

Question 5

What is evolution?

Answer 5

• Change in allele frequency (how common an allele is) over many generations in a population
• Occurring through the process of natural selection

Question 6

Explain the principles of natural selection in the evolution of populations

Answer 6

1) Mutations - Random gene mutations can result in [named] new alleles of a gene
2) Advantage - In certain [named] environments, the new allele might benefit its possessor
[explain why] → organism has a selective advantage
3) Reproductive Success - Possessors are more likely to survive and have increased reproductive success
4) Inheritence - Advantageous allele is inherited by members of the next generation (offspring)
5) Allele Frequency - Over many generations, [named] allele increases in frequency in the population

Question 7

Describe 3 types of adaptations?

Answer 7

Anatomical - Structural/ physical features that increase chance of survival
Physiological - Processes / Chemical reactions that increase chance of survival
Behavioural - Ways in which an organism acts that increases its survival