Cell Organelles
What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?
The nucleus acts as the control center of the cell
What are inherited traits?
Inherited traits are characteristics passed down from parents to their offspring through genes, like eye color or height.
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
What is artificial selection?
Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed plants and animals for specific traits.
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient living organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.
What role do mitochondria play in a cell?
Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell because they produce energy through cellular respiration.
How do genes influence inherited traits?
Genes carry the information that determines specific traits. Each parent contributes genes, which combine to influence the offspring's characteristics.
Who proposed the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection in the 19th century.
How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?
In natural selection, organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, while in artificial selection, humans choose which traits are desirable.
How are fossils formed?
Fossils are formed when an organism is buried by sediment, which hardens over time, preserving the shape and details of the organism.
What is the purpose of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane protects the cell and regulates what enters and exits.
Can environmental factors affect inherited traits?
While inherited traits are based on genetics, environmental factors can influence how those traits are expressed, like nutrition affecting height.
What are the key components of natural selection?
The key components are variation, competition, survival of the fittest, and reproduction.
Can you give an example of artificial selection?
Yes! Domestic dogs are a great example. Different breeds have been created by selecting for traits like size, coat type, and temperament.
What types of fossils are there?
There are several types of fossils, including body fossils (like bones and shells), trace fossils (like footprints), and chemical fossils (like organic molecules).
What do ribosomes do in a cell?
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating genetic information into proteins.
What is the difference between dominant and recessive traits?
Dominant traits are expressed even if only one copy of the gene is present, while recessive traits require two copies to be expressed.
How does natural selection lead to evolution?
Over time, natural selection can lead to changes in the traits of a population, resulting in evolution as advantageous traits become more common.
What are some benefits of artificial selection?
Benefits include increased crop yields, disease resistance in plants, and the development of animals with desirable traits for work or companionship
Why are fossils important to scientists?
Fossils help scientists understand the history of life on Earth, including how species have evolved and how environments have changed over time.
How do chloroplasts contribute to plant cells?
Chloroplasts enable photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert sunlight into energy and produce oxygen
Can traits skip generations?
Yes, some traits can skip generations if a recessive gene is carried by parents but not expressed until passed to the next generation.
Can natural selection occur in humans?
Yes, natural selection can occur in humans, as certain traits may provide advantages in survival and reproduction in different environments.
Are there any drawbacks to artificial selection?
Yes, drawbacks can include reduced genetic diversity and the potential for inherited health problems in certain breeds or varieties.
What is the difference between a fossil and a rock?
A fossil is a remnant of a once-living organism, while a rock is a solid mass of minerals or mineral-like matter that can form through various geological processes.