Variation , adaption , natural selection and speciiation

Question 1

Define variation

Answer 1

Difference between cells, individual organisms, or groups of organisms of any species

Question 2

Define intra-specific variation

Answer 2

These are differences between individuals within the same species.

Question 3

Examples of Intra-specific variation ?

Answer 3

Skin colour , Hair colour , height , intelligence etc

Question 4

Define inter - specific variation

Answer 4

These are differences between different species of organisms

Question 5

Examples of Inter - specific variation ?

Answer 5

Warm blooded , cold blooded , bone structure

Question 6

Define discontinuous variation

Answer 6

These are discrete traits / characteristics

Question 7

Examples of discontinuous variation

Answer 7

Tongue roller

Blood types

eye colour

Question 8

Define continuous variation

Answer 8

A trait / characteristics where they exist within a range , not discrete values

Question 9

Examples of continuous variation

Answer 9

Weight , human birth weight and height

Question 10

Define genetic variation / inherited variation

Answer 10

This is variation which is carried in your DNA , usally inherited by your parents

Question 11

Define environmental variation

Answer 11

These are characteristics which arise due to your environment eg how much you eat or exercise

Question 12

Example of environmental variation ?

Answer 12

Skin tone / complexion - there is a genetic component within your DNA but alos your exposure to UV light / sunlight also affects skin tone

Question 13

What are the Dangers associated with sun tanning ?

Answer 13

Melanoma - skin cancer

less elastic skin

Question 14

How can you protect your skin from the UV light ?

Answer 14

Sun block

Question 15

Define adaptation

Answer 15

When an organisms characteristics change to make it more likely to survive in a specific environment

Question 16

Examples of why species need to adapt

Answer 16

To avoid predators or catch prey

To counteract environment changes eg sunlight

Question 17

Define behavioural adaptions

Answer 17

Changes in behaviour to deal with change

Question 18

Example of behavioural change in animals ?

Answer 18

Meerkats in response to predators

Question 19

Define physiological / biochemical adaptions

Answer 19

Changes to their bodies to deal with a challenge eg angler fish use lights to attract prey

Question 20

Define anatomical adaptations

Answer 20

Features within their bodies which made them more likely to survive eg dolphins , bats

Question 21

Define xerophytes

Answer 21

Plant adapted to the extreme conditions eg dry , windy conditions

Question 22

Example of a xerophytes

Answer 22

Thick fleshy stem to store water

Question 23

Describe natural selection

Answer 23

In every generation of a species there are more off spring then needed

Some have favourable features and some not

Those favourable features are more likely to survive , breed and pass on their traits , so eventually most will have favourable traits

Question 24

What features of organisms cause natural selection to arise

Answer 24

More off spring than needed

Random changes to DNA

DNA can be inherited by future generations

Question 25

What are selection pressures ?

Answer 25

These are environmental factors which cause natural selection to occur

Question 26

Example of selection pressures

Answer 26

Climate change , predators , diseases , food availability