9a variations (biology)

Question 1

discontinuous variation definition

Answer 1

a characteristic of any species with only a limited number of possible choices (e.g. eye color)

Question 2

continuous variation definition

Answer 2

variations that show a range of options, which gradually differ from one another (e.g height)

Question 3

reproduction definition

Answer 3

• the process organisms use to create new offspring

Question 4

each organism provides a special cell called…

Answer 4

a gamete (sex cell)

Question 5

male gamete

Answer 5

sperm cell

Question 6

female gamete

Answer 6

egg/ovum

Question 7

nucleus definition

Answer 7

an organelle within the cell that contains the chromosomes/genetic material

Question 8

chromosome definition

Answer 8

a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic info in the form of genes
* humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 in total)

Question 9

fertilization definition

Answer 9

fusing of a male gamete with a female gamete, resulting in a zygote
* a zygote contains the same amount of chromosomes as a normal body cell

Question 10

gene definition

Answer 10

the genetic info that is responsible for a characteristic
* every chromosome contains a long molecule called the DNA molecule
* certain sections of that DNA molecule contain the genetic information

Question 11

natural selection

Answer 11

the process where individuals that are well adapted to their environment survive (the environment is ‘selecting’ certain genetic variations in characteristics which means that the fittest will survive and reproduce whilst the less adapted organisms don’t)
* more likely to survive = more likely to reproduce
* natural selection = evolution

Question 12

selective breeding definition

Answer 12

when we choose which characteristics are selected for the next generation

Question 13

environmental variation

Answer 13

varied characteristics due to environmental factors in an organism’s surroundings (e.g. scars)
* physical environmental factors (e.g. light, water, air, temperature, humidity, etc.)
* living environmental factors (the different animals and vegetation that affect the organisms)

Question 14

species definition

Answer 14

a group of organisms that reproduce and create offspring that can reproduce as well

Question 15

ecosystem definition

Answer 15

characteristics vary due to environmental factors in an organism’s surroundings

Question 16

inherited variation definition

Answer 16

varied characteristics offpspring inherit from their parents (e.g. eye color)

Question 17

adaptation

Answer 17

animals and plants adapt to their surroundings; they have characteristics that allow them to survive in that habitat.

Question 18

biodiversity definition

Answer 18

the variety of all living things and their interactions