Inheritance And Variation

Question 1

Define genotype

Answer 1

Combination of alleles present in an organism

Question 2

Define phenotype

Answer 2

The observable characteristics of an organism

Question 3

Importance of variation

Answer 3

Enables species to adapt to changing environmental conditions

Provides the raw material on which natural selection can work

Makes it less likely that any adverse changes in environmental conditions will wipe out an entire species

Question 4

Define species

Answer 4

A group of organisms of common ancestry that closely resemble each other and are capable of interbreeding to produce offspring

Question 5

Define natural selection

Answer 5

The process by which populations change over time so that they remain well adopted to their environment

Question 6

Outline Darwin’s natural theory of natural selection

Answer 6

Most organisms produce more offspring than needed, which leads to a constant struggle for survival. All organisms show variation and much of this can be inherited. Those organisms possessing variations that make them well-adapted to their environment are most likely to survive in the struggle

Question 7

Define allele

Answer 7

Different forms of the same gene