Artificial Selection

Question 1

What is artificial selection?

Answer 1

-process where humans choose organisms with desirable traits + selectively breed them together

Question 2

What is the process of artificial selection?

Answer 2

1. Population shows phenotypic variation
2. Breeder selects an individual with desired phenotype
3. Another is selected - shouldn’t be closely related
4. Bred
5. Offspring reach maturity - then tested for the desirable trait = further breeeding
6. Continues for many generations

Question 3

What characteristics are plants selectively bred for?

Answer 3

-diseases resistant
-increased crop yield
-hardiness to weather conditions
-large or unusual flowers

Question 4

Why is maintaining a resource of genetic material important?

Answer 4

-ensures that the gene pool for a particular species doesn’t become too small

Question 5

What is inbreeding depression?

Answer 5

-increases the chance of harmful recessive alleles combing in an individual + being expressed in the phenotype
-leads to decreased survivability

Question 6

State 3 characteristics selected for in dairy cows

Answer 6

1. Large milk volume
2. High milk quality
3. Long lactation period

Question 7

Name 3 modern procedures used to breed dairy cows

Answer 7

1. IVF
2. Cloning
3. Artificial insemination

Question 8

Discuss the ethical consideration that should be made when using animals for selective breeding

Answer 8

-won’t suffer from health difficulties
-won’t have a shortened life expectancy