DNA and evolutionary relationships
What is a mutation?
A change in a gene that can affect a trait
What does the principle of adaptation state in regards to natural selection?
Organisms that have acquired more beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Why is asexual reproduction considered more efficient than sexual reproduction?
It is faster and does not require a mate.
What is a gene?
A segment of DNA that determines traits
Why do brightly colored flowers often attract more pollinators?
Their bright colors signal the presence of nectar
What happens during recombination?
Chromosomes swap pieces of DNA
How do inherited traits help organisms survive in the wild?
Inherited traits create variation within populations of animals helping them to adapt to their environment.
What is the main disadvantage of asexual reproduction?
It leads to a lack of genetic diversity, which can make populations vulnerable to environmental changes.
What is an example of a trait that is primarily determined by genetics?
Dimples, Eye color, hair color, ability to roll tongue
Why do some plants produce fruit?
To protect their seeds and encourage animals to spread them
What is an embryo and how does it help scientists understand how animals are related?
An embryo is a developing baby animal. The embryos of many different animals look similar in the early stages of development, showing they share a common ancestor.
How do inherited traits influence the likelihood of a species going extinct?
If a species does not inherit traits that allow it to adapt to environmental changes, it may not survive and could face extinction.
Why is genetic variation important in sexual reproduction?
It helps species adapt to changing environments.
What term describes when an organism's phenotype (traits) is influenced by both its genetic code and environmental conditions?
Phenotypic Plasticity
What is a behavior that increases the success of reproduction in birds?
mating calls
What are fossils and how do they help scientists learn about how animals have changed over time?
Fossils are the remains of ancient organisms preserved in rock. They show how animals have evolved over millions of years.
How does variation naturally occur in a population?
Variation occurs due to genetic mutations, recombination during reproduction, and environmental influences.
If a disease spreads through a population, which type of reproduction would give a species a better chance of survival?
Sexual reproduction, because genetic variation increases the chances that some individuals will be resistant.
Why do two identical twins, who have the same genetic material, sometimes grow to different heights?
They experience different environmental conditions, such as nutrition
How does cooperative behavior in social animals, such as wolves hunting in packs, increase reproductive success?
It increases survival rates, which leads to more offspring surviving
Which pairs of bases always match up in DNA?
Adenine and Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine
How do environmental pressures contribute to evolutionary changes recorded in the fossil record?
Environmental pressures favor organisms with beneficial traits, allowing them to survive and reproduce, leading to evolutionary changes over time.
In what type of environment would asexual reproduction be more beneficial than sexual reproduction?
A stable environment where conditions remain the same over time.
If a plant with a genetic mutation for increased drought resistance is placed in a wet environment, what is the most likely outcome?
The plant will still have the mutation, but it may not be beneficial
Some plants, such as the Venus flytrap, have specialized structures that help them survive in nutrient-poor environments. How does this adaptation indirectly aid reproduction?
By reducing competition for resources