Natural Selection & Evolution
Explain how natural selection determines which traits are passed down in a population.
Some individuals inherit traits that help them survive and reproduce.
What is the relationship between DNA and chromosomes?
➡️ A chromosome is made of coiled DNA.
Why do neighboring plants produce toxic substances when caterpillars attack?
➡️ Toxins protect them from being eaten by caterpillars.
How does soil pH affect rose bush growth?
➡️ Acidic soil = taller plants with more flowers.
How can geographic isolation (like a river) lead to new species?
Geographic isolation prevents mating → populations evolve separately → new species form.
Why did kangaroo rat populations shift to smaller individuals during drought? What happens when female gorillas choose stronger mates?
➡️ Smaller kangaroo rats need less water and survive better.
➡️ Offspring will be larger and stronger.
What is one risk of selective breeding in plants?
➡️ Less genetic diversity → all plants could be wiped out by disease.
What is one ethical concern of gene therapy? What would be a disadvantage?
➡️ Access: not everyone can afford or receive treatment.
Why would one beetle population in a garden survive better than another?
A population with more offspring has a higher chance some will survive predators.
Farmers use a natural mutation to make the habanero pepper spicier for mammals. It is called Capsaicin production (mutation). If it is spicy, the animals will not eat it. Birds, however, can eat them. When they eat the peppers, sometimes the seeds can get spread (because birds fly).
How does a mutation in peppers affect capsaicin production? Is the pepper mutation beneficial or harmful? Why?
➡️ Mutation changes a gene → protein not produced correctly → less capsaicin.
➡️ Harmful → peppers eaten more by mammals since defense is reduced.
List three advantages of asexual reproduction.
➡️ No mate needed, quick reproduction, population increases quickly.
What traits would help a paleontologist identify a ratite fossil or any bird fossil?
➡️ Number of toes, beak shape, sternum type, egg count.
How can pollinators lead to the development of new flower species?
Flowers with shapes that attract certain pollinators survive → become new species.
What conclusion about inheritance can be made from the pea plant experiment?
Which seed trait is dominant?
➡️ Some traits (like seed shape) are dominant over others.
➡️ Smooth seed shape is dominant over wrinkled.
Why does meiosis increase genetic variation?
What is the result of meiosis?
Four daughter cells with half the chromosomes of the parent (gametes).
Crossing over and independent assortment create unique gametes.
How can embryos (babies in the womb of an organism) be used to show common ancestry?
➡️ Similar embryo stages = evidence of a shared ancestor.
After a fire, which mice (black or white) are more likely to survive? Why?
Why is fur color important to the survival of mice?
Fur color affects camouflage → determines survival from predators.
Black mice → fur blends with burned ground,
The tall female child got the trait for increased height from her _______.
What is the chance a child will have red hair if the mother is homozygous red and father is heterozygous?
➡️ Father and mother’s genes (inheritance from both parents).
➡️ 50% chance of being homozygous for red hair.
What role does mitosis play in asexual reproduction?
➡️ Mitosis makes identical cells → produces identical offspring.
What happens right before a cell enters Anaphase in division?
Chromosomes are aligned in the MIDDLE (Metaphase)