Unit A | Topic 6 | Artificial selection and biotechnology

Question 1

Who was the main contributor to natural selection?

Answer 1

Charles Darwin

Question 2

What were Charles Darwin’s main four points from his studies?

Answer 2

1. All organisms produce more offspring that can possibly survive
2. There is variation between species
3. Some variations increase the chance of an organism going on to reproduce
4. Variations eventually form into genetic characteristics

Question 3

Definition of:
Artificial selection (cross breeding)

Answer 3

Breeding organisms with other organisms that contain desirable traits

Question 4

Why do we use Artificial selection?

Answer 4

To produce offspring with traits that humans desire

Question 5

Definition of:
Clone

Answer 5

A genetically identical copy of an entire organism, or its cells and genes

Question 6

What are some examples of cloning that can be found in nature?

Answer 6

• Budding
• Twins
• Binary fission

Question 7

Definition of:
Genetic engineering

Answer 7

The manipulation of DNA in an organism

Question 8

Process of genetic engineering

Answer 8

1. Remove a gene from a donor
2. Transfer the gene to a different organism, called the “recipient”

Question 9

After genetically engineering an organisms DNA, what is their new “name”?

Answer 9

Transgenic organism (GMO)

Question 10

Definition of:
GMO

Answer 10

Genetically modified organism

Question 11

What are some risks in biotechnology (specifically for animals)?

Answer 11

• Decreased genetic diversity
• Organisms are more susceptible to diseases
• possible future birth defects