Diversity of Organisms Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is variation?
The differences in traits among individuals within a population, encompassing different characteristics, behaviours and genetic sequences
What does variation help in evolution?
Enables individuals to adapt to new environments and survive
What are the main sources of variation?
Genetic differences, environmental factors, and gene-environment factors
What is an example of variation?
Monozygotic twins
Why are monozygotic twins an example of variation?
They start with identical genetic material. But as they grow, environmental factors and random mutations cause them to be completely different
Continuous variation
A range of values without distinct categorisation
Discontinuous variation
Fall into categories with no intermediates
Why do individuals differ within a species?
Genetic variation and environmental influences
What is an organism?
A living unit in nature that applies all the life processes in its body
What is a population?
A group of individuals of a species growing in a given area at a particular time
What is a community?
A collection of populations of different species living in the same particular area
What is an ecosystem?
The sum of total interacting biotic and abiotic factors that are capable of independent existence
What is a biome?
Represents large-sized ecosystems delimited by specific climate, flora or fauna
What is a biosphere
Any part of earth where living beings live
What is heredity?
The passage of genetic information from generation to generation
What is the traditional definition of a species?
A group of organisms capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring
What are the limitations to the traditional
