Genetic diversity and adaptation + Practical Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is genetic diversity?
Number of different alleles of genes in a population
What are alleles and how do they arise?
● Variations of a particular gene (same locus) → different DNA base sequence
● Arise by mutation
What is a population?
● A group of organisms of the same species in a particular space at a particular time
● That can (potentially) interbreed (to produce fertile offspring)
Explain the importance of genetic diversity
● Enables natural selection to occur
● As in certain environments, a new allele of a gene might benefit its possessor
● By resulting in a change in the polypeptide (protein) coded for that positively changes its properties
● Giving possessor a selective advantage (increased chances of survival and reproductive success)
What is evolution?
● Change in allele frequency over many generations in a population
● Occurring through the process of natural selection
