evolution & ns

• what is a trait?

  trait is a feature of an organism
• what is a gene?

  a unit of genetic information
• what is DNA?

  a molecule that contains genetic information
• what is inheritance?

  the passing down of traits via genes from one generation to the next
• what is evolution?

  a change in a population over many generations due to environmental pressures
• what is a population?

  a group of organisms of the same species living in the same place
• species we see today are adapted to their environments as a result of evolution
• evolution can't happen without variation in genetic traits but these variations only matter if they make a difference for survival
• what is genetic variation?

  differences in feature or DNA between individuals of the same species
• what is genetic trait?

  a feature that can be passed down by genes to the next generation
• what is adaptation?

  a genetic trait that helps an organism survive in its environment
• what is behavioural adaptation?

  behavioural adaptation is a behaviour or action that helps an organism survive
• what is extinction?

  the dying out or complete disappearance of a species
• what is a mutation?

  a small random change in an organism's DNA
• what is natural selection?

  the survival of organisms that are better adapted to their environment
• what are physiological adaptations?

  an internal bodily process that helps an organism survive
• what are selection pressures?

  selection pressures are challenges that affects an organism's ability to survive and reproduce
• what are structural adaptations?

  a physical feature of the body that helps an organism survive
• what is speciation?

  the formation of a new species
• speciation occurs when a population splits into two isolated populations that evolve under different selection pressures
• what are species?

  a group of similar organisms that can breed to produce fertile offsprings
• the ability to reproduce allows a species to continue to exist and evolve
• structural adaptations include scales, fur, feathers, long tails and bright colours
• physiological adaptations include production of venom and regulation of body temperature
• the inheritance of traits via sexual reproduction explains family resemblances
• mutations can be passed on to offsprings through reproduction, increasing the genetic variation in a population
• over generations, natural selection causes a population to evolve in response to its environment
• genetic traits, such as neck length and fur colour, can result in the evolution of a population
• genetic variation is needed for evolution because it makes some individuals better adapted to the environment than others
• a gene is a section of a DNA molecule that provides instructions for building a specific protein
• evolution occurs over generation through repeated genetic variation, natural selection and reproduction
• dna is stored in the nucleus of a plant or animal cell and is passed on to offsprings during reproduction
• behavioural adaptations include migrating, burrowing and building dams or nests
• acquired traits such as scars and learned skills cannot result in the evolution of a population
• variations in genetic traits arise because of mutations. some traits provide an advantage for survival or reproduction
• what is gene flow?

  the transfer of genes from one population to another
• what is natural selection?

  the process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
• what is evolution?

  the change in inherited characteristics of a population over successive generations
• what is genetic variation?

  the diversity in gene forms (alleles) within a population
• what is adaptation?

  a heritable trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment