Variation and Evolution Flashcards
Evolution
Change within a population or species in response to a change in the environment over a long period of time
Species
A group of similar organism that are capable of interbreeding with each other to produce fertile offspring
Variation
The differences between members of the same species
Acquired variations
Not controlled by genes
Inherited variation
Controlled by genes
Heredity
The passing on of characteristics or traits using genes from one generation to the next
Gene
A shot section of DNA that codes for the production of a protein
Gene Expression
The production of a particular protein using the genes code
Natural Selection
The process through which populations of living organisms adapt to their environment and change
Fossil
The preserved remains of an organism that lived long ago
Mutation
A change if the structure of the number of DNA
Causes of Mutation
Mutagens such as:
•UV rays
•Cigarette smoke
Types of mutation
•Gene mutation~albinism
•Chromosome mutation~down syndrome