Chapter 14-VARIATION AND EVOLUTION

Question 1

Variation def

Answer 1

Differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population

Question 2

What causes variation

Answer 2

• the genes they have inherited (genetic)
• the conditions in which they have developed (environmental)
• a combination of genetic and environmental causes
• mutations in the DNA, these are continuous but rarely lead to a cha ge in the phenotype

Question 3

Evolution

Answer 3

Change in inherited characteristics of a population over time through a process of natural selection which may result in the formation of a new soecies

Question 4

Species

Answer 4

A group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding to prodice fertile offspring

Question 5

Selective Breeding

Answer 5

The process by which humans breed plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics

Question 6

Survival of the fittest

Answer 6

the continued existence of organisms which are best adapted to their environment, with the extinction of others, as a concept in the Darwinian theory of evolution.

Question 7

Species def

Answer 7

A group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring

Question 8

Speciation def

Answer 8

The formation of a new species due to evolution which may result in the extinction of a previous species

Question 9

Natural selection

Answer 9

Charles Darwins’ theory that individuals within a population who have characteristics most suited to their environment around them have a better chance of survival and reproduction. These genes that allow these individuals to be successful are passe down to their offspring