Chapter 17 - Variation and Evolution

Question 1

classification

Answer 1

Placing objects into groups based on similar activities

Question 2

Taxonomy

Answer 2

The science of classifying organisms

Question 3

Species

Answer 3

A group of similar organisms that are capable of naturally interbreeding with each other to produce fertile offlspring

Question 4

Variation

Answer 4

In a group of successfully interbreeding organisms the individual members show different characteristics

Question 5

Acquired variation

Answer 5

Not inherited but are learned or developed during life

Question 6

Inherited variations

Answer 6

Controlled by genes

Question 7

Mutation

Answer 7

A spontaneous change in the amount or structure of DNA

Question 8

Mutagens

Answer 8

Agents that cause mutations

Question 9

Gene mutation

Answer 9

A change in a single gene

Question 10

Chromosome mutation

Answer 10

A large change in the structure or number of one or more chromosomes

Question 11

Evolution

Answer 11

The way in which living things change genetically to produce new forms of life over long periods of time

Question 12

Natural selection

Answer 12

The process by which those organisms with genetically controlled characteristics that allow them to be well adapted to their environments will survive and reproduce to pass on their genes to the following generations

Question 13

Speciation

Answer 13

The production of new species as a result of evolution

Question 14

Fossil

Answer 14

The remains of something that lived a long time ago