Genetics

Question 1

Gregor Mendel and dominant-recessive genes

Answer 1

“invisible factors” = genes
punnet squares
dominant-recessive genes

Question 2

DNA

Answer 2

contains all genetic info

Question 3

Gene

Answer 3

codes for a protein

Question 4

Chromosome

Answer 4

long strand of dna, made up of many genes

Question 5

Allele

Answer 5

an alternative from of a gene

Question 6

Meiosis

Answer 6

reproductive cell division
Parent cell → DNA replicates → 2 daughter cells, each with two sets of half the DNA → 4 daughter cells, each with half the DNA

Question 7

Mitosis

Answer 7

cell replication
Parent cell → DNA replicates → 2 daughter cells, identical to parent cell

Question 7

Types of variation/mutation (3 kinds)

Answer 7

Genetic mixing and recombination
(during meiosis, genetic material swapped between DNA on chromosomes)
Errors occur during DNA replication
(point mutations, additions/deletions)
Induced by mutagens (chemicals, radiation, e.g. UV, cigarette smoke, etc)

Question 7

Gene Pool (and animal example)

Answer 7

Total amount of genetic material in a group that interbreeds
The gene pool for a rabbit population, for example, includes alleles which determine coat color, ear size, whisker length, tail shape, and many other traits

Question 7

Genetic drift (and animal example)

Answer 7

change in population, from a change in gene frequency based on chance events
Natural disaster kills a random number of animals in a group, eliminating a trait randomly

Question 8

Gene flow (and animal example)

Answer 8

An individual from a different population enters a group and breeds
Mountain lion travels far distance, mates with female in different area

Question 9

Phenotype

Answer 9

outward, physical appearance

Question 10

Genotype

Answer 10

an individual’s genetic makeup

Question 11

Outbreeding

Answer 11

mating of unrelated but similar animals
increases heterzygosity

Question 12

Inbreeding

Answer 12

mating of 2 closely related animals
Increases homozygosity

Question 13

Strategy defined

Answer 13

course of behavior that has successfully resulted in an animal finding “optimal solutions” regarding the necessities of life.

Question 14

Optimality theory

Answer 14

when an animal is most efficient in their behaviors

Question 15

Evolutionary Stable Strategy (animal example)

Answer 15

a strategy so efficient and successful that it wouldn’t be replaced, unless conditions drastically change
e.g. musk ox males fighting over females. don’t get female unless you fight
e.g. baboons go to a spot, dig, water is there. (only changes when environment changes and water dries up)

Question 16

Mixed Evolutionary Stable Strategy (animal example)

Answer 16

more than one strategy/backup strategy
e.g. capuchin monkeys cracking nuts take effort. alone, they do it. other monkeys around, they don’t, because a different monkey could steal it

Question 17

Polygeny

Answer 17

several genes influence one trait

Question 18

Pleiotropy

Answer 18

one gene affects several traits

Question 19

Sexual Selection

Answer 19

a selection whereby those traits related to reproductive success are emphasized, selected for and passed on.

Question 20

Kin Selection (2 predictions)

Answer 20

an animal helps a relative over a nonrelative
an animal helps close kin over distant kin

Question 21

Direct Fitness

Answer 21

how many biological offspring an individual has

Question 22

Indirect Fitness

Answer 22

how many biological offspring your relatives have

Question 23

Inclusive Fitness

Answer 23

Direct fitness + indirect fitness

Question 24

Nature vs. Nurture (know animal examples of these effects)

Answer 24

genes vs environment
nature: bird’s instinct to build a nest, spider web construction, salmon returning to spawning grounds
nurture: monkey social behavior, elephant social structure, chimpanzee tool use

Question 25

Intrauterine Effects in Rodents. (2M males & 2M females)

Answer 25

environmental impacts outside the realm of genetics that affects behavior
Testosterone is leaked between offspring
2M males: more aggressive, more offspring
2M females: defeminized, reach sexual maturity later, fewer offspring

Question 26

FosB gene in mice (what does it control)

Answer 26

FosB gene controls nurturing behavior

Question 27

Epigenetics defined (animal example)

Answer 27

interaction of genes, experience, and the environment (gene expression changed by the environment)
young mice licked more = more calm, young mice licked less = more stressed
environmental factor (licking) influences gene expression without actually altering the DNA.