evolution Flashcards
(20 cards)
how do organisms in a species show wide variation in the characteristics
Differences in the alleles
which organisms are more likely to survive?
The ones with the most suitable characteristics for the environment will be the most successful competitors and more likely to survive
then they will be more likely to reproduce and pass on the allele for that characteristic that made them successful to their offspring
how do the species evolve overtime?
As the beneficial characteristics become more common
what are models that biologists used to mimic the effect of characteristics is survive in their environment
by picking up different coloured cards from a suitable camouflage background (red and blue cards from a blue background) which may be used to show the effect of camouflage
How do models show that the natural selection has taken place?
when more of the blue objects accumulate on the blue background as they better camouflage than the red ones
What are the limitations of the models used to show natural selection?
the model prey doesn’t move
the model background is flat not textured
What did Alfred Russell Wallace and Charles Darwin theory of evolution by natural selection show?
How the process of natural selection is sometimes too slow for organisms to adapt to new environmental conditions therefore becoming extinct
did Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace work on the ideas of an evolution and natural selection at around the same time
yes but independently
what is evidence that evolution is still happening
Antibiotic resistance, warfarin, resistance, and pesticide resistance
What is antibiotic resistance and how does it occur
when bacteria developed random mutations in the new DNA, which creates new alleles which can change the characteristics
when bacteria is less affected by a particular antibiotic, so they’re more likely to survive and reproduce and pass onto offspring
How are some rats warfarin resistant?
Due to random mutations in the DNA creating new alleles making them more able to survive and reproduce
what is warfarin used in
rat poison
How are insects pesticide resistant?
due to random mutations in the DNA which creates alleles so they have an advantage of non-resistance insects and theyre more likely to survive and reproduce
What was the human genome projects aim
studying human DNA gives us more information to develop new ways to treat cure or even prevent diseases
what are the medical applications for the human genome projects research?
prediction and prevention of disease
Testing and treatment of inherited disorders
New and better medicines
how can the human gene project and prevents diseases?
If doctors knew what genes caused what diseases eg heart disease, tailored advice on best diet and lifestyle could avoid these problems
doctors could also give early treatments
how are common diseases like cancer and heart disease caused
by interaction of different genes and lifestyle factors.
how come the human genome project allow testing and treatment for inherited disorders?
scientists can identify the genes and alleles that are suspected of causing a inherited disorder much more quickly than in the past so once the disorder causing allele is identified, people can be tested for it and doctors could develop better treatments or a cure
how can the human gene project allow new and better medicines? (2)
As scientists can design new drugs tailored to people with a particular genetic variation
They can then determine how well an existing drug will work and the most appropriate dosage for certain drug drugs and have fewer side effects
what are the drawbacks of the human genome project?
increase stress
Discrimination by employers and insurers
People with genetic problems may not have children
