Chapter 2 - Genetics And DNA

Question 1

What is an allele

Answer 1

An alternative form of a specific gene

Question 2

What is a chromosome

Answer 2

Structures in the nucleus of each cell that contains the genes, the units of hereditary transmission. A human cell has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs

Question 3

DZ dizygotic twins

Answer 3

Twins that develop from two different eggs that are simultaneously fertilized by two sperm

Question 4

DNA

Answer 4

The complex molecule that is the constituent of genes

Question 5

Dominant

Answer 5

A term for a gene that directs the development of a particular characteristic even when the corresponding gene on the other chromosome is different

Question 6

Environment of evolutionary adaptiveness EEA

Answer 6

The environment that was in place when the trait was evolving

Question 7

A section of a DNA molecule that contains instructions for how and when to assemble a protein

Answer 7

Gene

Question 8

The complete set of an organisms genes

Answer 8

Genotype

Question 9

A measure that describes, for a given population in a given environment, what proportion of the variance of a trait is due to genetic differences

Answer 9

Heritability ratio H

Question 10

A mating pattern in which one male and one female form an enduring reproductive partnership

Answer 10

Monogamy

Question 11

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that then splits in half. Generally identical

Answer 11

Monozygotic twins MZ

Question 12

Errors in the replication of DNA

Answer 12

Mutations

Question 13

The mechanism that drives biological evolution. It refers to the greater likelihood of successful reproduction for organisms who’s attributes are advantageous in a given environment

Answer 13

Natural selection

Question 14

The (mistaken) idea that anything natural must be good

Answer 14

Naturalistic fallacy

Question 15

The process through which organisms, through their behaviors, alter the environment and create their own circumstances

Answer 15

Niche construction

Question 16

The overt characteristics and behaviors of an organism

Answer 16

Phenotype

Question 17

Any mating system in which a member of one sex mates with several members of the opposite sex

Answer 17

Polygamy

Question 18

A pattern in which many genes all influence a single trait

Answer 18

Polygenic inheritance

Question 19

The influences within an organisms lifetime that led to its particular traits or behaviors

Answer 19

Proximate cause

Question 20

A term for gene that directs the development of a particular characteristic only if the corresponding gene on the other chromosome matches it

Answer 20

Recessive

Question 21

Pertaining to all organisms in a species

Answer 21

Species general

Question 22

Pertaining to just one species

Answer 22

Species specific

Question 23

The reason why, over many years of evolution, a particular trait or behavior helped members of a population to survive and reproduce

Answer 23

Ultimate cause