Biological Change Over Time and Adaptations

Question 1

Evolution

Answer 1

The process in which significant changes in the inheritable traits of a species occur over time –> to adapt to environmental changes in order for species to survive

Question 2

Species

Answer 2

Members of interbreeding groups or populations that are reproductively isolated from other groups and evolve independently

Question 3

Mutations

Answer 3

Source of genetic variation (mutations create new genes) –> can affect individuals immediately, as well as in future populations (inherited)

Question 4

Type of Mutations

Answer 4

• Neutral: no benefit or harm
• Harmful: decreases reproductive success of an organism (ex. cystic fibrosis)
• Beneficial: gives an individual an advantage (ex. sickle cell anemia mutations gives a high degree of resistance to malaria

Question 5

Artificial Selection

Answer 5

Domestication of plants and animals –> changing members of a species to suit human needs
Examples:
- Modern dog breeds are descendants of wolves
- Farmers choose best plants to collect seeds from for next season, generation after generation

Question 6

Unsuccessful Artificial Selection

Answer 6

Not all attempts are successful: breeders can’t create traits that don’t already exist and sometimes undesirable traits accompany desirable ones (ex. strawberries bred to tolerate the cold produce berries white one inside)

Question 7

Adaptations

Answer 7

Any genetically controlled characteristics that helps an individual, or species to which it belongs, survive and reproduce in the environment it lives in

Question 8

Types of Adaptations - Physiological

Answer 8

The development of a specialized function within the body to allow an animal to survive in a unique environment –> helps to maintain homeostasis
Ex. different species of fish have antifreeze proteins to prevent ice crystal formation

Question 9

Types of Adaptations - Structural

Answer 9

A body part that has developed to perform a specific function (e.g. shape, colour, size)
Examples:
- Camel’s heavy eyelashes & nostrils that close tightly to protect from desert sands
- Camouflage: evolving to look like your surroundings
- Mimicry: evolving to look like something scary/intimidating

Question 10

Types of Adaptations - Behavioural

Answer 10

Certain behaviours developed to help an animal survive
Ex. migratory behaviour of birds allows it to survive the hardships of its environment