Topic 4.4 Genetic Diversity + Evolution

Question 1

What is genetic diversity?

Answer 1

The total number of different alleles of a gene in a population

Question 2

Why is genetic diversity beneficial?

Answer 2

It increases chance of survival through the process of natural selection if environment changes

Question 3

What increases genetic diversity?

Answer 3

Mutations form new alleles
Migration of individuals from different populations

Question 4

What is allele frequency?

Answer 4

The number of times an allele occurs within the gene pool. This changes over time due to natural selection

Question 5

Describe natural selection

Answer 5

1. New alleles arise through mutation
2. The mutation may be beneficial to survive in a certain environment
3. Species overproduce offspring which leads to competition for resources
4. If the new allele increases the chance of survival and reproduction, this beneficial allele will be passed on to the offspring (reproductive success)
5. The allele frequency will increase in the population with each successive generation
6. Over time, this leads to evolution