Biology Genetics & Evolution Flashcards

What is the basic unit of heredity?

Answer: Genes

Genes are the basic units of heredity, consisting of specific sequences of DNA that code for particular traits or functions. They are passed down from parents to offspring, carrying the instructions that determine an organism's characteristics, from physical appearance to metabolic processes. This makes genes fundamental to understanding how traits are inherited and expressed across generations.

What is natural selection?

Answer: The process where advantageous traits become more common

Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, described by Charles Darwin. It describes how organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Over generations, individuals with advantageous heritable traits are more likely to reproduce, leading to these traits becoming more prevalent in the population, thus driving evolutionary change.

What is a mutation?

Answer: A change in DNA sequence

A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene or chromosome. These changes can occur spontaneously during DNA replication or be induced by environmental factors like radiation. Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation, which is essential for evolution, although they can also be harmful or neutral in their effects on an organism.

What does genetic drift refer to?

Answer: Random changes in allele frequency

Genetic drift refers to the random fluctuations in the frequency of alleles (different forms of a gene) in a population, particularly in small populations. Unlike natural selection, which is directional, genetic drift is a chance event that can lead to the loss or fixation of certain alleles, regardless of their adaptive value. It is a significant evolutionary force, especially in isolated or small populations.

What is the role of DNA in heredity?

Answer: It stores genetic instructions for inheritance

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. It stores the complete blueprint for an organism's traits and functions, which is then passed from one generation to the next. This ensures the inheritance of characteristics and the continuity of life.

What is speciation?

Answer: The formation of new species

Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new and distinct species arise from a common ancestor. This typically occurs when populations become reproductively isolated, preventing gene flow, and then diverge genetically over time due to natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. Eventually, these populations become so different that they can no longer interbreed, marking the formation of a new species.

How are traits inherited?

Answer: Through the transfer of genes from parents

Traits are inherited through the transfer of genetic material, specifically genes, from parents to their offspring. Genes are segments of DNA that carry the instructions for developing specific characteristics. During reproduction, these genes are passed down, determining an individual's inherited traits.

What is the purpose of a Punnett square?

Answer: To predict genetic trait probabilities

A Punnett square is a diagrammatic tool used in genetics to predict the probability of offspring inheriting specific genotypes and phenotypes from their parents. By illustrating all possible combinations of alleles from each parent, it helps visualize and calculate the likelihood of different genetic outcomes. This makes it essential for understanding Mendelian inheritance patterns.

What is an adaptation?

Answer: A beneficial trait increasing survival and reproduction

An adaptation is a heritable trait that has evolved over time through natural selection, enhancing an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment. These beneficial characteristics allow species to better cope with environmental challenges and exploit resources. Adaptations are crucial for the long-term survival and success of a species.