Genetic Variation Flashcards
Genetic variation
Members of the same species can be varied because of a slightly different versions of the same gene
Allele
An allele is a version of a gene
Mutation
Mutations are spontaneous random changes to the genetic material of organisms
What is the only way new alleles are added to a population
Mutations
Mutagenic agents
Environmental factors that increase mutation rates
Importance of mutations / variations
Makes it possible for a population to evolve over time in response to changing environmental conditions
Importance of mutations / variations
Makes it possible for a population to evolve over time in response to changing environmental conditions
An adaptation
An inherited characteristic is hay makes an organism well suited to survival in its environment/ niche
Natural selection
Species produce more offspring than the environment can sustain
Natural selection occurs when there are selection pressures
Selection pressure examples
-food availability
-disease
-predation
-climate
Speciation
Speciation is where two or more species are formed from one original species
Steps of speciation
1.isolation
2.mutation
3.natural selection
4.new species
Isolation
Population separated by a barrier
Mutation
Different mutations occur in each subpopulation
Natural selection
Selects for different mutations in each group due to selection pressures
