Variation and Evolution

Question 1

Classification

Answer 1

Classification means placing objects into groups based on similar characteristics

Question 2

Taxonomy

Answer 2

Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms

Question 3

Species

Answer 3

A species is a group of similar organisms that are capable of naturally interbreeding with each other to produce fertile offspring

Question 4

Variation

Answer 4

Variation within a species means that in a group of successfully interbreeding organisms the individual members show different characteristics

Question 5

Acquired Variation

Answer 5

Acquired variations are not inherited but are learned or developed during life

Question 6

Inherited Variation

Answer 6

Inherited variations are controlled by genes

Question 7

Mutation

Answer 7

A mutation is a spontaneous (or sudden) change in the amount or structure of DNA

Question 8

Mutagens

Answer 8

Mutagens are agents that cause mutations

Question 9

Gene (or Point) Mutation

Answer 9

A gene (or point) mutation is a change in a single gene

Question 10

Chromosome Mutation

Answer 10

A chromosome mutation is a large change in the structure or number of one or more chromosomes

Question 11

Evolution

Answer 11

Evolution is the way in which living things change genetically to produce new forms of life over long periods of time

Question 12

Natural Selection

Answer 12

Natural selection is the process by which those organisms with genetically controlled characteristics that allow them to be well adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce to pass on their genes to following generations

Question 13

Speciation

Answer 13

Speciation is the production of new species as a result of evolution

Question 14

Fossil

Answer 14

A fossil is the remains of something that lived a long time ago (or some indication of something that lived a long time ago)