Syllabus Definitions

Question 1

Define macro evolution

Answer 1

the variation of allele frequencies at or above the level of species macroevolution over geological time, resulting in the divergence of taxonomic groups, in which the descendant is in a different taxonomic group to the ancestor

Question 2

Define micro evolution

Answer 2

small-scale variation of allele frequencies within a species or
population, in which the descendant is of the same taxonomic group as the ancestor

Question 3

Define evolution

Answer 3

change in the genetic composition of a population during

successive generations, which may result in the development of new species

Question 4

Define carrying capacity

Answer 4

in Biology, the size of the population that can be supported indefinitely on the available resources and services of that ecosystem

Question 5

Define keystone species

Answer 5

A plant or animal that plays a unique and crucial role in the way that ecosystem functions

Question 6

Define genome

Answer 6

all the genetic material in the chromosomes of an organism,

including its genes and DNA sequences

Question 7

Define gene

Answer 7

region/s of DNA that are made up of nucleotides; the molecular unit of heredity

Question 8

Define Clade

Answer 8

A group of organisms that consist of a common ancestor and all its lineal descendants

Question 9

Define Polygenic inheritance

Answer 9

when one characteristic is controlled by two or more genes

Question 10

Define ecological niche

Answer 10

the role and space that an organism fills in an ecosystem, including all its interactions with the biotic and abiotic factors of its environment