2.3 Genetic Diversity

Question 1

gene

Answer 1

section of DNA that codes for a polypeptide, species have the same genes

Question 2

allele

Answer 2

form of a gene, different combinations make individuals different from each other

Question 3

a greater number of alleles…

Answer 3

…a greater genetic diversity and more likely to adapt to environmental changes and survive

Question 4

selective breeding

Answer 4

only individuals with desired characteristics are bred. This reduces genetic diversity by depleting ‘useless’ alleles. Used for crop yield, short stemmed wheat, disease resistant crops

Question 5

founder effect

Answer 5

few members of species colonise new region. Less diversity genetically, become genetically distinct from original population, new population that is less able to adapt environmental change

Question 6

genetic bottlenecks

Answer 6

chance event causes a drop in numbers. few survivors means less alleles and less genetic diversity. less likely to adapt to change.

Question 7

ethics

Answer 7

animal rights/welfare/future may need alleles. Cattle use AI so hundreds of cows can use the same prize bull. For rapid growth/weight gain, high fat milk and larger milk yield