Genetic Diversity Flashcards
Gene mutations
Change in base sequence of chromosomes
Examples of gene mutations
Substitution
Deletion
Insertion/addition
Mutagenic reagents
Increase rate of gene mutation
For example X-rays, UV radiation
Genetic diversity
The number of different alleles of genes in a population
Directional selection
Selection that favours individuals one or either side of the mean and changes the characteristic of the population
Stabilising selection
Selection that favours average individuals to preserve the characteristics of a population
Gene pool
Total number of genes/alleles within a population
Polygene
A characteristic that is influenced by more than one gene
Anatomical adaption
A mutation that has caused the physical features of an organism to change
Behavioural adaption
A learned adaption where the organism has learnt a behavior that is different to their normal routine
Physiological adaption
A mutation that has changed the biochemistry of that organism
