enviro

Question 1

Evolution meaning

Answer 1

the development and cumulative change in heritable traits of organisms through generations.

Question 2

Species meaning

Answer 2

A species of organisms is defined as individuals that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Question 3

Binomial nomenclature:

Answer 3

the method of classification for organisms of different species. This is a system in which an organism’s genus and species is used as their name.

Question 4

Biodiversity meaning:

Answer 4

Is the variation of living things. Types of biodiversity include: species biodiversity, ecological biodiversity and genetic biodiversity.

Question 5

Adaptation definition:

Answer 5

adaptations are the inherited characteristics of an organism that enhances its chance of survival and reproduction in specific environments.

Question 6

Types of adaptations:

Answer 6

Structural adaptations (such as hair to keep scalp warm)
Behavioural adaptations (such as migration and courtship display to attract a male)
Physiological adaptations (such as ability to produce concentrated urine to conserve water)

Question 7

Causes of variation with individuals: differ

Answer 7

Mutations (changes in genetic sequence)
Meiosis (crossing over and independent assortment)
Gamete combinations (random fertilization between ova and sperm)

Question 8

Causes of variation within populations: the frequency and amount of different alleles within a population of species.

Answer 8

Gene mutations, sexual reproduction and gene flow increase biodiversity.
Gene drift and natural selection can result in decreased biodiversity.

Question 9

Abiotic

Answer 9

biological factors that are not derived from living organisms. For example, sun, water, air, wind, rain, temperature, soil, humidity and minerals.

Question 10

Biotic:

Answer 10

related to living organisms. For example, animals, humans, birds, plants, and fungi.

Question 11

Natural selection:

Answer 11

the process in which organisms better adapted to the environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Question 12

Process of natural selection:

Answer 12

Population of species leads to overproduction and variation, struggle for existence, differences in reproductive success and evolution of adaptations.

Question 13

Speciation meaning:

Answer 13

Speciation is the formation of new species.

Question 14

Causes of speciation:

Answer 14

Geographical barriers such as mountains or streams.
Temporal barriers such as different times of reproduction and different age to reach sexual maturity.
Behavioural barriers such as different mating rituals.
Mechanical barriers such as differences in structures and sexual body parts.

Question 15

Types of evolution:

Answer 15

Divergent evolution – type of evolution in which new species evolve from a shared ancestral species because of barriers. For example, humans and monkeys have come from a shared ancestor.
Convergent evolution – type of evolution when two different species who do not share a common ancestor develop traits with similar functions due to similar selective pressures. For example, dolphins and sharks.
Coevolution – when one organism evolves in response to changes in another organism. For example, gazelle and cheetah (prey and predator).

Question 16

Homologous structures:

Answer 16

These are structure with similar characteristics due to sharing a common ancestor but have different functions. Example, forelimb of humans and cats.

Question 17

Analogous structures:

Answer 17

These are of unrelated species living in similar environments and having similar selective pressures that lead to similar structures. Example, fin of dolphin and shark.

Question 18

Vestigial structures

Answer 18

: These are structures that no longer serve a purpose in an organism but are residue from ancestral species in which the structure had an important function. Example, tailbone of humans.

Question 19

Comparative embryology:

Answer 19

this is when similar early stages of embryonic development of organisms happen because they have evolved from a shared ancestral species.

Question 20

Absolute dating:

Answer 20

Is when the exact age of fossils or rocks are found through radioactive elements such as radiocarbon or potassium

Question 21

Relative dating:

Answer 21

Is when the age of a fossil is found in comparison to another fossil.

Question 22

Molecular Biology:

Answer 22

compares DNA sequences and amino acid sequences between organisms.

Question 23

Biogeography:

Answer 23

when the geographical distribution of species is used as evidence for the theory of evolution. Patterns in migration provide clues of how species are related to each other and how characteristics evolve due to different geographic locations.

Question 24

Fossilization –

Answer 24

process of animals or plants being preserved in a hard and petrified form.