evolution and natural selection

• What can lead to huge variation between individuals?

  Differences in genes and environment
• What is the process called that can lead to the evolution of new species?

  Natural selection
• What term describes the differences among individuals in a population?

  Variation
• What does a phenotype describe?

  Observable characteristics of an individual
• What two factors interact to determine a phenotype?

  Genes and environment
• What do genes code for?

  Proteins
• What is a genome?

  All of your genes combined
• Why does everyone except identical twins have a unique genome?

  Different combinations of proteins
• How can the environment affect identical twins?

  It can influence their height and skin color
• What is the key point about our characteristics?

  Most are determined by genes and environment
• What causes genetic variation?

  Mutations
• What is a mutation?

  A change in the DNA code
• How do most mutations affect phenotypes?

  They usually have no effect
• What happens when mutations do change proteins?

  The phenotype may change slightly
• What are beneficial mutations?

  Mutations that improve survival chances
• What did Charles Darwin notice about traits?

  Useful traits were passed on more
• What term did Darwin use to describe the survival of the fittest?

  Natural selection
• What does evolution describe according to Darwin?

  Inheritance of characteristics over generations
• What does the theory of evolution imply about all living species?

  They evolved from simple life forms
• What evidence supports Darwin's theory of evolution?

  Antibiotic resistance and fossil records
• How does evolution occur through natural selection?

  Genetic changes lead to better-suited phenotypes
• What happens when two populations within a species become different enough?

  They can no longer interbreed
• What signifies the formation of a new species?

  Inability to produce fertile offspring
• What are the main concepts of natural selection and evolution?

  • Variation in traits among individuals
  • Traits influenced by genes and environment
  • Mutations create genetic diversity
  • Beneficial mutations enhance survival
  • Survival of the fittest leads to reproduction
  • Evolution occurs over generations
  • New species form when populations diverge
• What are the key points about phenotypes and their determination?

  • Phenotypes are observable characteristics
  • Determined by genes and environmental interactions
  • Most traits influenced by multiple genes and factors
• What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

  • Development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
  • Fossil records showing gradual changes
  • Genetic studies confirming common ancestry
• How does natural selection lead to evolution?

  • Genetic changes arise from mutations
  • Beneficial traits enhance survival and reproduction
  • Over generations, these traits become common
  • Divergence can lead to new species formation