Biology 8 Definitions

Question 1

Variation

Answer 1

Small differences which exist between members of the same species

Can be caused due to genes, environment, or both:

Question 2

Continuous Variation

Answer 2

Variation based on features that can be measured via a spectrum/range (i.e. Height or feet size)

Largely caused by environmental factors or both genes and environment

Question 3

Discontinuous Variation

Answer 3

Variation based on features that can be classified into distinct categories (i.e. eye colour or hair colour)
Largely caused due to genetic makeup

Question 4

Inheritance

Answer 4

Transmission of genetic information from generation to generation

Question 5

Phenotype

Answer 5

Physical appearance of an organism

Question 6

Genotype

Answer 6

Genetic make-up of an organism, affected only by genes.

Question 7

DNA

Answer 7

‘Molecule of life’ - carrier of genetic information (can self-replicate) - the molecule that contains the instructions for the growth and development of all organisms.

Question 8

Diploid Nucleus

Answer 8

A nucleus which has 23 pairs or a complete set of paired chromosomes (46 chromosomes).
Eg: body cell

Question 9

Haploid Nucleus

Answer 9

A nucleus which has half/single set of unpaired chromosomes (23 chromosomes).
Eg: Gametes.

Question 10

Chromosome

Answer 10

Thread of DNA is made up of a string of genes

Question 11

Genes

Answer 11

Length of DNA that is a unit of heredity and codes for a specific protein