GENETIC DIVERSITY Flashcards
How can genetic diversity between species be compared?
• the frequency of measurable or observable characteristics
• the base sequence of DNA
• the base sequence of mRNA
• the amino acid sequence of the proteins encoded by DNA and
mRNA.
What is interspecies?
Different species
What is intraspecies?
Same species
How can genetic diversity be measured?
○ Base sequence of DNA or mRNA
○ Amino acid sequence coded by DNA/mRNA
○ Previously was measured by observable characteristics/features
○ Modern technology allows direct genome sequencing for more accurate comparison
between organisms
What is sampling?
Sampling is when a small, random group of individuals within a population is selected and
studied carefully
What are uses of sampling?
- Study any impacts on the environment (EIA)
* EIA is used to estimate effects of a planned development on the environment
What does the number of samples depend upon?
Size of habitat and time
What is a requirement of samping?
• Number of samples should be sufficient to give an accurate measure of the number of
species in habitat and relative abundance
• If two areas are being compared, the same number of samples should be taken at each
What is a requirement of random sampling?
Samples must be randomly chosen
Why must random samples be randomly chosen?
To avoid bias
How are random samples collected?
This can be done by:
○ Taking samples at regular distances
○ Use random numbers to plot co-ordinates
○ Select co-ordinates from a map and use GPS to find the exact location
Why is genetic diversity investigated?
DNA found in all living organisms
• Always provides the genetic code
• More similar the sequence the more closely related the species
