Key area 6- Evolution of Species Flashcards
1
Q
What is a mutation?
A
A mutation is a random change to genetic material. They can be neutral, confer an advantage or a disadvantage to survival. They are spontaneous and the only source of new alleles.
2
Q
What can increase the rate of mutations?
A
Environmental factors such as radiation and some chemicals.
3
Q
What can new alleles do for an organism?
A
New alleles produced by mutations can result in plants and animals becoming better adapted to their environment.
4
Q
What does variation allow?
A
Variation within a population makes it possible for a population to evolve over time in response to changing environmental conditions.
5
Q
What is an adaptation?
A
An adaptation is an inherited characteristic that makes an organism well suited to survival in its environment/niche.
6
Q
A
