Variation and Evolution Chp17

Question 1

What is classification

Answer 1

placing objects into groups based on similar characteristics

Question 2

What is taxonomy

Answer 2

the science of classifying organisms

Question 3

What is a species

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is variation

Answer 4

different characteristics within the same species

Question 5

What are acquired variation

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Examples of acquired variation

Answer 6

ability to walk, speak a language, ride a bike

Question 7

What is inherited variation

Answer 7

variation controlled by genes

Question 8

Examples of inherited variation

Answer 8

eye colour, hair colour, blood type

Question 9

What causes variation

Answer 9

sexual reproduction and mutation

Question 10

What is a mutation

Answer 10

a spontaneous change in the amount or structure of DNA

Question 11

What are mutagens

Answer 11

agents that cause mutations e.g. UV radiation, tobacco smoke, pesticides, gamma rays

Question 12

What is a gene mutation

Answer 12

a change in a single gene

Question 13

Example of a gene mutation

Answer 13

sickle cell anaemia

Question 14

What is sickle cell anaemia

Answer 14

an inherited blood disorder caused by a mutation in the haemoglobin gene

Question 15

Symptoms of sickle cell anaemia

Answer 15

paleness, weakness, heart failure, severe pains, damage to the brain and other organs and very often death

Question 16

Treatment for sickle cell anaemia

Answer 16

blood transfusion

Question 17

What is a chromosome mutation

Answer 17

a large change in the structure of one or more chromosomes

Question 18

Example of a chromosome mutation

Answer 18

down syndrome

Question 19

What is evolution

Answer 19

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

Question 20

What is natural selection

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What are the observations of natural selection

Answer 21

overbreeding, population numbers remain constant, there is a struggle for existence, inherited variations occur in populations and natural selection

Question 22

What is speciation

Answer 22

the production of new species as a result of evolution

Question 23

Evidence of evolution

Answer 23

the study of fossils

Question 24

What is a fossil

Answer 24

the remains of something that lived a long time ago