Traits or Not
Variation in Populations
Fix the Scientist
Apply the Idea
Bonus
100
What is the definition of a trait?
A trait is a specific characteristic to an individual organism
100
What does variation in a population mean?
Individuals in the population have different trait values.
100
“All wolves in a pack have the same traits.” What’s wrong with this?
Individuals in a population have different traits.
100
In a group of dogs, some are small and some are large. What does this show?
Variation in body size.
100
What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
The letter M
200
Define what an adaptive trait is?
A trait that makes it more likely that an individual will survive in a specific enviornment
200
What does this graph tell you about variation?
The population has high variation in height.
200
“Giraffes got longer necks because they needed them.” What’s wrong?
Traits don’t change because of need.
200
Why do scientists study many individuals instead of one?
To see variation in traits.
200
If you have 3 apples and take away 2, how many do you have?
2
300
What is a non-adaptive trait?
A trait that makes it less likely that an individual will survive in a specific environment
300
Why can scientists only study variation by looking at many individuals?
Because variation exists across a population, not in one organism.
300
“Only the strongest animal matters in a population.” Why is this incorrect?
Scientists study the whole population, not one individual.
300
A population of insects has different colors. Why might this matter?
Some colors may help insects survive better.
300
Name two countries.
Answers can't repeat
400
Name 3 animals that camouflage into their environment.
Peppered moths, Chameleon, polar bears
400
Two populations of the same species live in different environments. Could they show different variation? Explain.
Yes — different environments can affect which traits are more common.
400
“Animals choose their traits to survive better.” What’s wrong?
Traits are inherited, not chosen.
400
What kind of data could show variation in a population?
Histogram
400
Name 3 Marvel superheroes.
Iron Man, Black Widow, Captain America
500
Two birds live in the same forest. One bird survives better than the other. Does this automatically mean it has a better trait? Why or why not?
No. Survival depends on how traits interact with the environment.
500
A population shows variation in color, but color does not affect survival. Why is this still important to know?
It shows that variation exists even if a trait does not affect survival.
500
“Variation doesn’t matter unless the environment changes.” Why is this wrong?
Variation always exists and can affect survival.
500
Why must variation exist before natural selection can happen?
Because natural selection acts on differences in traits.
500
Name this Song.
September