B6- Variation Flashcards
What is variation within a species?
Differences among organisms of the same species
Variation can include differences in traits such as hair color, height, and other characteristics.
What is genotype?
All of the genes and alleles that an organism has
Genotype directly affects an organism’s phenotype.
How does genotype affect phenotype?
Genotype influences the characteristics displayed by an organism
Phenotype is the expression of the genotype in interaction with the environment.
What factors can influence phenotype?
Genetic and environmental factors
Environmental conditions, such as light and nutrients, can impact how traits are expressed.
What is a mutation?
A rare, random change in an organism’s DNA that can be inherited
Mutations occur continuously and can lead to genetic variants.
What are alleles?
Different forms of a gene
Alleles are genetic variants that can arise from mutations.
What is the effect of most genetic variants on proteins?
Most have very little or no effect
Some may change the protein slightly, while others might not affect its function at all.
What is cystic fibrosis?
A genetic disorder caused by a mutation affecting protein function
It leads to excess mucus production in the lungs and digestive system.
True or False: Environmental conditions do not influence an organism’s phenotype.
False
Environmental factors can significantly alter the expression of traits.
Fill in the blank: The maximum height that an organism can grow is determined by its _______.
genes
Actual growth can vary based on environmental conditions.
What happens to a phenotype when the environment changes and it becomes more suited?
It can become common throughout the species by natural selection
Natural selection favors traits that improve survival and reproduction.
