Heredity and Biological Evolution Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is a gene?
A segment of DNA that codes for a trait.
What is an allele?
Different versions of a gene.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Genotype=genetic makeup; phenotype=physical traits.
What is a dominant allele?
An allele that masks the effect of a recessive trait.
What is a recessive allele?
An allele that is masked by a dominant allele unless two copies are present.
What tool predicts inheritance patterns?
A Punnett square.
What is a mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence.
What is natural selection?
The process where individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce.
What is adaptation?
A trait that helps an organism survive in its environment.
What is evolution?
The change in species over time.
What is a fossil?
Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.
What are homologous structures?
Similar body parts due to common ancestry.
What is artificial selection?
Human-directed breeding for desired traits.
What is speciation?
The formation of a new species through evolution.
What is genetic drift?
A random change in allele frequencies, especially in small populations.
