Vocabulary
The distinguishing characteristic of an organism?
Where does a mutation begin?
DNA
Slight differences in inherited traits among individual members of a species.
Variation
How can your parents both have brown eyes and you have blue eyes?
Type of variation where characteristics show a full range of values between two extremes.
continuous variation
The passing of traits from generation to generation?
inheritance
Explain why you might find a black bellied penguin when they are typically white?
a mutations in one of the genes
An inherited trait that helps a species survive in its environment.
Adaptation
What is the difference in dominate and recessive traits?
Dominate traits will always appear when paired with a recessive trait.
Give two examples of continuous variation.
Height
Body mass
Section of DNA that has genetic information for one trait?
gene
What is a chromosome?
A chromosome is a long, coiled structure made of DNA that contains many genes.
The process by which organisms with variations that help them survive in their environment live longer, compete better, and reproduce more that those that do not have the variation?
Natural selection
Why do siblings from the same parents not look identical (except identical twins)?
Because they inherit different combinations of alleles from their parents due to random assortment during reproduction.
Type of variation where characteristics fall into distinct categories with no intermediate values.
discontinuous variation
How the trait appears, or is expressed?
Phenotype
How many chromosomes are in a sperm and egg cell?
23
Selection and breeding of organisms with desired traits?
Selective breeding
Natural selection occurs when individuals that have beneficial traits....?
survive and reproduce
Which type of variation is usually controlled by one or a few genes?
Discontinuous variation.
An organisms complete set of genes?
genotype
Order these from smallest to largest...chromosome, genes, cells, DNA
DNA, genes, chromosome, cell
An adaptation in which one species looks like another species.
Mimicry
Give an example of an acquired trait?
answers will vary
What is a gene?
A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a specific protein or characteristic.