3.4.7 Investigating Diversity

Question 1

Name 4 ways we can compare genetic diversity between organisms

Answer 1

• Frequency of observable characteristics
• Base sequence of DNA
• Base sequence of mRNA
• Amino acid sequence

Question 2

What is meant by Gene technology?

Answer 2

Sampling DNA or mRNA in order to read and compare the base sequence of organisms
- Also the amino acid sequence can be studied as this will also provide info on the organisms mRNA and DNA sequences

Question 3

Why do scientists prefer to use Gene technology instead of observation?

Answer 3

• Simply inferring DNA differences by observing an organisms characteristics is not reliable
• The characteristics could be coded for by more than 1 gene or could be influenced by the environment

Question 4

What is meant by Interspecific and Intraspecific variation?

Answer 4

Interspecific is the differences between individuals of different species
Intraspecific is the differences between individuals of the same species

Question 5

What is Sampling?

Answer 5

Selecting a group of individuals to measure that will represent the whole target population

Question 6

How can a random sample be achieved?

Answer 6

• Create a grid for your sample area
• Randomly generate coordinates where a quadrat or transect can be placed
• Repeat until required sample size is reached