6 Inheritance variation and evolution - Variation Flashcards

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1
Q

Genes determine the phenotype of an organism ? true or false?

A

False ? the environment also plays a role.

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2
Q

What is variation within a population?

A

Differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population.

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3
Q

State three causes of variation in a population.

A
  1. Genes
  2. The environment
  3. A combination of both
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4
Q

Within a population, there is normally very little genetic variation ? true or false?

A

False ? just look around you at humans

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5
Q

What causes variation within a population?

A

Mutations.

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6
Q

What is evolution?

A

A change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through a process of natural selection which may result in the formation of a new species.

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7
Q

True or false ? does the theory of evolution by natural selection state that all living things evolved from simple life forms more than three billion years ago?

A

True.

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8
Q

Would the best organism within a species to survive and reproduce be:

a) the strongest?
b) the one which reproduces the fastest?
c) the best adapted to the environment?

A

c)

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9
Q

Define ‘species’.

A

Organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

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10
Q

Define ‘natural selection’.

A

The process by which evolution takes place - Nature chooses those those with favourable characteristics (best suited to environment) to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes

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11
Q

What is selective breeding?

A

The process by which humans breed plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics.

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12
Q

Name two historic examples of selective breeding.

A
  1. Breeding food crops from wild plants

2. Domesticating animals

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13
Q

State four modern examples of selective breeding.

A
  1. Disease resistance in food crops
  2. Animals which produce more meat or milk
  3. Domestic dogs with a gentle nature
  4. Large or unusual flowers
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14
Q

State a drawback to selective breeding.

A

Inbreeding ? some breeds are prone to disease or inherited defects (e.g. some pugs have breathing problems).

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15
Q

What is genetic engineering?

A

The process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic.

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16
Q

State three traits plants might be genetically engineered to have.

A
  1. Resistant to insect attack
  2. Resistant to herbicides
  3. Increased yields
17
Q

Give one example of the use of genetically engineered bacterial cells.

A

To produce useful substances such as human insulin to treat diabetes.

18
Q

How is a gene ?cut out? from the genome of one species and inserted the genome of another?

A

Using enzymes.

19
Q

Into what is the gene inserted?

A

A vector

20
Q

Give two examples of vectors used in genetic engineering.

A

A bacterial plasmid, a virus

21
Q

State two benefits of genetic engineering.

A

Improved growth rates/Increased yield/Increased food quality/Produce human proteins/enzymes as medicine

22
Q

State three concerns around genetically engineering plants.

A
  1. Unknown effects on populations of wild flowers
  2. Unknown effects on populations of insects
  3. Some people feel the effects of eating GM crops on human health have not been fully explored