Evolution and genes terminology (AO1)

Question 1

Define “evolution”.

Answer 1

The process by which inherited characteristics in living organisms change over generations

Question 2

Define “survival of the fittest”. (2 points)

Answer 2

Organisms with the most favourable characteristics adapting to living in their environment, surviving and reproducing

Organisms with unfavourable characteristics not surviving with their genes not being passed on

Question 3

Define “natural selection” (2 points).

Answer 3

Favourable genes being inherited by offspring

Genes that don’t aid survival in the environment not being inherited

Question 4

Define “gene”.

Answer 4

Structural unit consisting of DNA which determines phenotypic characteristics

Question 5

Define “genetic mutation”.

Answer 5

A change in the sequences of bases in DNA which alters the coding of a gene and function of the protein produced

Question 6

Define “allele”.

Answer 6

A different form of the same gene produced during genetic mutations

Question 7

Define “selection pressure”.

Answer 7

Environmental and social factors which determine which characteristics are favourable

Question 8

Define “epigenetic”.

Answer 8

A combination of genetic and environmental factors causing the development of particular observable phenotypic traits

Question 9

Define “genetic drift”.

Answer 9

A loss of phenotypes which are not favourable to the survival of the organism, causing a reduction in the gene pool

Question 10

Define “kin selection”. (3 points)

Answer 10

Genes which determine behaviour surviving

Direct Fitness - genes providing a survival advantage

Inclusive Fitness - genes which are disadvantageous which may still be passed on by close relatives

Question 11

Define “aggression”.

Answer 11

A range of behaviors that can result in both physical andpsychologicalharm to yourself, others, or objects in the environment

Question 12

What are the 2 types of aggression?

Answer 12

Indirect aggression - covert, such as spreading malicious gossip

Relational aggression - overtbut non-physical, such as excluding people

Question 13

Define ‘zygosity’.

Answer 13

The degree of similarity between the alleles for a trait in an organism

Question 14

Define ‘monozygotic twins’.

Answer 14

Identical twins developed from one zygote which splits and forms two embryos

Share 100% DNA

Question 15

Define ‘dizygotic twins’.

Answer 15

Fraternal twins - each twin developed from a separate egg fertilised by individual sperm cells

Share 50% DNA

Question 16

Define ‘concordance’.

Answer 16

A positive or negative correlation between the IV and DV

Question 17

Define ‘genotype’.

Answer 17

The complete genetic heritability, for example the alleles inherited Bb

Question 18

Define ‘phenotype’.

Answer 18

The physical characteristics, for example brown or blue eyes