Variation Flashcards
(25 cards)
Explain variation
Difference of individuals in the same species.
What is continuous variation
In a range of phenotypes between two extremes.
Provide examples of variation
Body length
Body height
Body masses
What is discontinuous variation
Results in limited number of phenotypes without intermediates.
Provide examples of discontinuous variation
ABO Blood groups
Seed shape in peas
Seed color in peas
What is usually causes discontinuous variation
Genes only
What usually causes continuous variation
Genes
Environment
What type of graph is usually for continuous variation
Histograms , usual trend
What type of graph is used for discontinuous variation
Unusual trend, bar graphs
What is mutation
The way new alleles are formed
What is gene mutation
A change in the base sequence of DNA
What are sources of genetic variation in the population. (4)
Mutation
Meiosis
Random fertilization
Random mating
What increases the rate of mutation
Ionizing radiation
Exposure to some chemicals
What are adaptive features
An inherited (structural) feature that helps an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Process of natural selection(5)
- genetic variation within populations
- production of many offspring
- struggle for survival+ competition for resources
- a greater chance of reproduction by individuals that are better adapted to an environment than the other
- these individuals pass on their allele to the next generation.
More on natural selection
- Species evolve
- development of anti-biotic -resistance strains in bacteria by natural selection.
- Better adapted organisms thrive
Process of selective breeding
- Selecting by individuals with desirable features
- Crossing these individuals to produce the next generation
- Selection of offspring showing the desirable features
What is selective breeding done by
Artificial selection
When it carried over many generations to: (2)
- Improve crop plants , more economic value
- improve domesticated animals e.g. more cows produce more milk , dogs have better appearance , wheat that is easier to separate from grain.
What is artificial selection
Organisms with valued characteristics come together and produce offspring that share these valuable characteristics.
What is adaption
The process resulting in natural selection in which populations become more suited to their environment and many generations
What is a xerophyte
A organism that lives in desert areas where water is scarce and windy , rapid evaporation habitats . E.g. cactus , marram grass
What is a hydrophyte
An organism that lives in partly or fully submerged in water
Describe plants that are xerophytes (6)
Stomata- open at night and closed during midday when evaporation is at its highest. Stomata is sunk into the pits.
Cuticle- Waxy cuticle, impermeable to water.
Roots- deep roots to reach for water underground.
Leaves - reduced spines for less, surface area for transpiration
Roots- shallow spreading roots collect occasional rain.
Leaves- rolled leaves , leaf hairs and sunk stomata , sunk in pits to trap moist air.