Adaption, Variation, Natural Selection Flashcards
What is an adaptation?
A structure, behaviour, or physiological process that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a particular environment.
Examples include hibernation and camouflage.
What are the three types of adaptations?
- Physical
- Physiological
- Behavioural
Each type contributes to the survival of an organism in its environment.
Identify the type of adaptation: The thick body plating of an armadillo.
Physical
Physical adaptations involve structural features of an organism.
Identify the type of adaptation: Lizards voluntarily detach their tail when threatened.
Behavioural
Behavioural adaptations involve actions taken by an organism.
Identify the type of adaptation: Reduced heart rate and breathing of a ground squirrel in hibernation.
Physiological
Physiological adaptations involve internal body processes.
Identify the type of adaptation: The needles of a blue spruce tree.
Physical
This adaptation helps the tree conserve water.
What do climbing feet help birds like woodpeckers do?
Climb trees
These feet have sharp nails for digging into wood.
What do swimming feet help birds like ducks do?
Paddle through water efficiently
Wobbed feet are adapted for swimming.
What adaptation do birds like emus have for running quickly?
Three toes, all of which face forward
This foot structure aids in speed.
What type of feet do perching birds like blue jays have?
Feet with four toes, one of which is in the back
This helps them balance on tree branches.
What type of feet do predatory birds like hawks have?
Clawlike feet called talons
Talons are used for grabbing prey.
What is variation in the context of adaptations?
A visible or invisible change in the characteristics of members within a population.
Variation can help individuals survive and is likely to be passed on.
Where does variation come from?
- Genetic
- Sexual reproduction
- Mutations
These factors contribute to the diversity of traits within a population.
What happens if a mutation is beneficial?
The organism will likely pass on the mutation (selective advantage).
Beneficial mutations increase chances of survival.
What happens if a mutation is detrimental?
The organism will likely die and not pass on the mutation (selective disadvantage).
Detrimental mutations decrease chances of survival.
What is an example of a beneficial mutation?
A mutation in a red blood cell gene causing sickle cell anemia that provides increased resistance to malaria.
Carriers of this gene do not exhibit the disease.
What is natural selection?
The process by which a population of organisms changes because individuals with certain traits can better survive and pass on these traits.
Natural selection drives evolution.
What is the process by which a population of organisms changes due to human selection?
Selection
Selection is when humans choose individuals with desirable traits to pass on to their offspring, seen in domesticated animals and crops.
Give examples of organisms that have undergone selection by humans.
- Dogs
- Cats
- Cattle
- Vegetables
These examples demonstrate how human influence has shaped various species through selective breeding.
What is genetic variation?
Variation in characteristics among individuals in each generation
Genetic variation is crucial for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection.
What does ‘survival of the fittest’ mean?
Individuals with favorable characteristics are more likely to survive and breed
This concept emphasizes the role of advantageous traits in the survival and reproduction of organisms.
Fill in the blank: In the natural environment, living organisms face problems such as _______.
competition, predation, and climatic conditions
These factors create challenges that influence survival and evolution.
What is a scientific theory?
An explanation that ties together various observations, enabling predictions about new situations
Scientific theories are foundational to scientific understanding and exploration.
Who are the two scientists credited with developing hypotheses related to natural selection?
- Charles Darwin
- Alfred Russel Wallace
Their work laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology.
