Variation And Evolution Flashcards
Define classification.
Classification means placing objects into groups based on similar characteristics
Define taxonomy.
Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms
What is a species?
A species is a group of similar organisms that are capable of naturally interbreeding with each other to produce fertile offspring
What is variation?
Variation within a species means that a group of successfully interbreeding organisms the individual members show different characteristics
What is acquired variation?
Acquired variations are not inherited but are learned or developed during life
What are inherited variations?
Inherited variations are controlled by genes
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a spontaneous (or sudden) change in the amount or structure of DNA
What are mutagens?
Mutagens are agents that cause mutations
What is a gene/point mutation?
A gene/point mutation is a change in a single gene
What is a chromosome mutation?
A chromosome mutation is a large change in the structure or number of one or more chromosomes
What is evolution?
Evolution is the way in which living things change genetically to produce new forms of life over long periods of time
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which those organisms with genetically controlled characteristics that allow them to be well adapted to their environments will survive and reproduce to pass on their genes to following generations
What is specialisation?
Specialisation is the production of new species as a result of evolution
What is a fossil.
A fossil is the remains of something that lived a long time ago (or some indication of something that lived a long time ago)
