Unit Test Review: Genetics and Adaptations

Question 1

What is the definition of heredity?

Answer 1

Heredity is the passing of characteristics from one generation to another through genes.

Question 2

List 3 plant adaptations in the desert.

Answer 2

Extra storage in trunk for water
Thorns on exterior to protect from predators
Thick, waxy leaves

Question 3

List 3 animal adaptations for an animal living in a cold environment.

Answer 3

Very thick fur for insulation
Layer of blubber for insulation
White fur to camouflage in snowy environment
Black skin to soak up heat
Small layer of fur near skin that traps air and heat
Sharp, curled claws for catching prey, digging
Sharp, strong teeth for catching prey
Wide, thick-padded to insulate from snow and walk on snow easier

Question 4

What is the definition of offspring?

Answer 4

Offspring is the organism or organisms resulting from sexual or asexual reproduction (the babies)

Question 5

List 3 animal adaptations for an animal living in a swamp.

Answer 5

1. Webbed feet
2. A second clear eyelid that can act like goggles when swimming underwater
3. Camouflage coloring of fur or skin

Question 6

What might happen to an animal population when a new predator is introduced?

Answer 6

There population of prey will decrease because now instead of the equal balance of predator to prey there is an unequal because there would now be more predators and not enough prey to keep it balanced.

Question 7

What are 3 advantages of sexual reproduction?

Answer 7

1. Offsprings have a greater ability to combat diseases
2. More diversity in species populations
3. Adapts more quickly to changes in the environment

Question 8

What are 3 advantages of asexual reproduction?

Answer 8

Only one parent is need (no need to find a mate)
Creates lots of offspring in a short amount of time
it is more time and energy efficient

Question 9

What is the definition of Genetic Material?

Answer 9

Any material of plant and animal that carries genetic information and that passes it from one generation to the next.

Question 10

Where is Genetic Material found?

Answer 10

Cell nucleus

Question 11

What is the definition of Natural Selection?

Answer 11

The process where organisms with the best traits survive and reproduce pass their genes/successful traits on to their offspring

Question 12

Explain the peppered moth scenario.

Answer 12

The evolution of the peppered moth is when the moths first started out they were a light color to blend in to light colored trees but as time went on the trees became darker because of air pollution so slowly do to natural selection they were able to shift to a darker color to be able to survive.

Question 13

What is the function of xylem?

Answer 13

Xylem transports water throughout the plant from root, to stem, to leaves

Question 14

How does xylem support the amount of turgid pressure in plant cells?

Answer 14

The loss of water through transpiration causes high surface tension and negative turgid pressure in the xylem. This enables water from the roots then up to the parts of the plant

Question 15

What is the definition of sexual reproduction?

Answer 15

2 parents (male and female) contributes DNA to produce offspring

Question 16

What is the definition of asexual reproduction?

Answer 16

One parents and no sperm or egg

Question 17

What is the definition of Gene?

Answer 17

A gene is a selection of DNA that determines what traits the offspring will have

Question 18

What is the definition of Chromosome?

Answer 18

Chromosomes are X shaped structures made of tightly coiled DNA

Question 19

What is budding?

Answer 19

Budding is when there is a new identical organism (identical to the parent) that starts to develop on the parent. Its called budding because a bud slowly starts to grow on its parent. It detaches once its grown enough and they become separate things.

Question 20

What is fragmentation?

Answer 20

Fragmentation is when a plant or animal is able to regrow its limbs in a certain amount of time.

Question 21

What is binary fission?

Answer 21

Binary fission is a prokaryotic cell division. Its single circular DNA molecule is copied. DNA attaches to membrane and that membrane elongates and pinches off.

Question 22

What is vegetative propagation?

Answer 22

Vegetative propagation is when new plants are grown from the old parts of another plant like roots, shoots, and leaves without involving any reproductive organ.

Question 23

What is the definition of selective breeding? Give 3 examples

Answer 23

Selective breeding is when a human selects what traits they want in a species. Ex. farm animals that produce more, better quality meat or wool, dogs with particular physiques and temperaments, suited to do jobs like herd sheep, crop plants with better yields.