Variation

• What is the definition of variation?

  Differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population.
• What can cause variation in traits?

  Genetic and environmental factors can cause variation.
• How do new phenotypic variants occur?

  New phenotypic variants occur through mutations.
• What are the effects of mutations?

  No effect on phenotype, some influence on phenotype, very few lead to new phenotypes.
• What is selective breeding?

  Selective breeding is choosing parents for desired traits.
• What are the steps in selective breeding?

  1. Choose parents with desired traits.
  2. Breed them together.
  3. Select offspring with desired traits.
  4. Repeat over generations until all offspring have desired trait.
• How do mutations contribute to evolution?

  Mutations introduce new traits for natural selection.
• If a trait is beneficial, what happens to it over generations?

  It becomes more common in the population.
• How can introducing a new gene affect a population?

  It can create new traits and improve adaptability.
• What does the term 'mean' refer to in statistics?

  The average number
• What is the median in statistics?

  The middle value in a data set
• What does the mode represent in a data set?

  The most frequently occurring value
• What are the consequences of inbreeding?

  Increased risk of genetic disorders
• What is genetic engineering?

  Modification of an organism's DNA
• How have plant crops been genetically engineered?

  To enhance yield and resistance to pests
• What concerns exist regarding genetically engineered crops?

  Potential environmental and health impacts
• How have bacteria been genetically engineered?

  To produce insulin and other substances
• What is used to transfer required genes into the target organism?

  Vectors
• What is the range in statistics?

  The difference between highest and lowest values
• What is the consequences of inbreeding?

  Inherited defects and diseases
• What is genetic engineering?

  Modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic
• How have plant crops been genetically engineered?

  To be resistant to diseases, pesticides, herbicides.

  To produce bigger fruits.

  To give higher yields.
• What concerns are there about genetically engineered crops?

  Possible negative effects on wild flowers and insects.

  Effect on human health not fully understood.
• How have bacteria been genetically engineered?

  To produce useful substances, such as human insulin to treat diabetes.
• What are enzymes used as in genetic engineering?

  Cut out the required gene