Variation Flashcards
1
Q
What is a genotype
A
An organisms complete set of genetic material
2
Q
What is a phenotype
A
Observable characteristics of an organism
3
Q
What is a mutation
A
A spontaneous change in gene or chromosome
4
Q
What is natural selection
A
Organisms that are better adapted will survive and have more offspring
5
Q
What is selective breeding
A
When humans breed particular plants or animals for particular genetic material
6
Q
What are some risks of selective breeding
A
- reduced genetic variation can lead to attack by specific insects or disease, which could be very destructive
- rare disease genes could be unknowingly selected
- can create physical problems in specific organisms
7
Q
What happens in genetic engineering
A
Desired characteristic is cut out of the chromosome and then inserted into another animal
8
Q
What are some risks of genetic engineering
A
- could cause allergic reactions in people
- plant could produce toxic pollen, harming insects and transfer it between insects plants
- what benefits one plant may harm another
