ai study Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is natural selection?
The process where organisms with better adaptations survive and reproduce more successfully in their environment.
What are the 3 types of adaptations?
Structural, Physiological, Behavioral.
What is a structural adaptation?
A physical feature that can be seen, like fur or camouflage.
What is a physiological adaptation?
An internal or chemical process, like venom or digestion.
What is a behavioral adaptation?
An action an organism does to survive, like pack hunting.
What is artificial selection?
Humans selecting traits to improve or modify organisms over time.
What are examples of artificial selection?
Dog breeding (e.g., Cocker Spaniel), modern corn from teosinte, and wild mustard producing broccoli, kale, etc.
What are the positive effects of artificial selection?
Desired traits, better yields, disease resistance.
What are the negative effects of artificial selection?
Health issues and reduced genetic diversity.
What is the difference between natural and artificial selection?
Natural happens in nature, artificial is done by humans. Natural is slow, artificial can be faster.
What is speciation?
The formation of new and distinct species over time.
What is adaptive radiation?
When one common ancestor species diversifies into many adapted species.
What are the Three Sisters?
Corn, beans, and squash.
How do the Three Sisters help each other?
Corn provides support, beans fix nitrogen, squash blocks weeds and keeps soil moist.
What is genetic diversity?
The variety of genes within a species. It’s important for survival and adaptation.
What is monoculture?
Growing only one type of crop, which reduces genetic diversity and increases risk.
What are the effects of low genetic diversity?
Easier spread of disease or pests, less resilience to change.
How can we improve ecosystems with planting?
Use plant variety to increase genetic diversity, reduce need for fertilizer, water, and pesticide.
What is extinction?
When all members of a species die out and lose their DNA/genetic material.
How many major extinction events have there been?
Five major mass extinction events in Earth’s history.
Who created modern corn through selective breeding?
Indigenous peoples.
What traits were selected for in corn?
High yield, disease resistance, strong growth.
What crops came from wild mustard?
Kohlrabi, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower.
What parts of the plant were modified in mustard crops?
Stem (Kohlrabi), leaves (Kale), flower buds (Broccoli/Cabbage), axillary buds (Brussel sprouts), flower clusters (Cauliflower).
