genetic diversity Flashcards
1
Q
define genetic diversity
A
the number of different alleles of genes in a population
2
Q
how do you increase the genetic diversity of a population
A
genetic diversity is greater when the number of different alleles is bigger
this is advantageous if the environment changes
3
Q
define allele frequency
A
number of times an allele occurs within a gene pool
4
Q
define gene pool
A
total number of alleles in a population at a specific time
5
Q
when does natural selection occur
A
when an environment changes
6
Q
what process does genetic diversity allow to occur
A
natural selection
7
Q
explain the process of natural selection for the dark peppered moth
A
- within a population there is natural variation
- a random mutation can result in a new allele of a gene
- in areas of high industry the mutation of the dark colouring was advantageous to the moths as it allowed them to camouflage with the dark coloured buildings
- this increased their reproductive success as they were more likely to survive and pass on the new allele to their offspring which then pass on the advantageous allele to their offspring
- over many generations the frequency of the new allele increased in the population due to natural selection occurring through evolution
8
Q
define evolution of populations
A
a change in allele frequency over time
