PMT Flashcards
What is natural selection?
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring
This concept was first formulated by Charles Darwin.
List the key components of natural selection.
- Variation within a population
- Competition for resources
- Survival of the fittest
- Reproduction of the successful traits
True or False: Natural selection can lead to evolution.
True
Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution.
Fill in the blank: The theory of natural selection was proposed by _______.
[Charles Darwin]
What role does variation play in natural selection?
Variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon
Without variation, there can be no evolution.
Define genetic modification.
The direct manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology
This can involve altering DNA sequences.
What are some methods of genetic modification?
- CRISPR-Cas9
- Gene cloning
- Recombinant DNA technology
True or False: Genetic modification can be used to improve crop yield.
True
Many genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are designed for higher productivity.
Fill in the blank: Genetic modification is often used in agriculture to create _______.
[GMOs]
What are potential benefits of genetic modification?
- Increased resistance to pests
- Enhanced nutritional content
- Improved shelf-life
What are some ethical concerns regarding genetic modification?
- Environmental impact
- Food safety
- Genetic diversity loss
Define the term ‘survival of the fittest’.
The idea that only the organisms best adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce
Coined by Herbert Spencer, this phrase is often associated with Darwinian evolution.
What is the significance of genetic diversity in a population?
Genetic diversity increases a population’s ability to adapt to changing environments
It plays a crucial role in the survival and evolution of species.
List factors that can lead to changes in genetic diversity.
- Mutation
- Gene flow
- Genetic drift
- Natural selection
What is the difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed organisms for desired traits, while natural selection occurs without human intervention
Examples of artificial selection include dog breeding and crop cultivation.
True or False: Genetic modification can only occur naturally.
False
Genetic modification can be achieved through human intervention.
Fill in the blank: The process of adapting to an environment over generations is called _______.
[evolution]
