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Questions and Answers
What is the term for the variety of different species within a specific area?
What is the term for the variety of different species within a specific area?
What is the term for the differences between individuals within a species?
What is the term for the differences between individuals within a species?
What is the term for a characteristic that helps an organism survive and breed in its environment?
What is the term for a characteristic that helps an organism survive and breed in its environment?
What is the definition of a species?
What is the definition of a species?
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What is a theory in science?
What is a theory in science?
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What is the process by which populations change over time?
What is the process by which populations change over time?
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What is the primary requirement for natural selection to occur?
What is the primary requirement for natural selection to occur?
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Which of the following can lead to a change in genetic diversity within a population?
Which of the following can lead to a change in genetic diversity within a population?
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What is the term for the process by which the environment selects for favourable traits and reduces the likelihood of unfavourable traits?
What is the term for the process by which the environment selects for favourable traits and reduces the likelihood of unfavourable traits?
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Which of the following is an example of a selective pressure?
Which of the following is an example of a selective pressure?
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What is the term for the formation of a new species?
What is the term for the formation of a new species?
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Why is it difficult to observe evolution in action?
Why is it difficult to observe evolution in action?
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Study Notes
Diversity of Life on Earth
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species, genetic diversity, and variation within species.
Species Diversity
- Refers to different species living in the same area.
Genetic Diversity
- Refers to different genetic makeup within the same species.
Variation
- Individuals within a species exhibit variations, which can arise from:
- Genes and chromosomes inherited from parents
- Genetic mutations
- Environmental factors
- Variations that help an organism survive are called adaptations.
Adaptations
- Physical, functional, or behavioral traits that enable an organism to survive and breed in its environment.
- Adaptations are inherited and can be:
- Structural (physical structure)
- Functional (internal process)
- Behavioral (way an animal acts)
What is a Species?
- A species consists of individuals that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
What is a Theory?
- A theory is an explanation about the natural world that can be tested and verified using the scientific method.
The Theory of Evolution
- Evolution is the change in inherited traits of a population over generations through natural selection.
Natural Selection
- The process by which the environment selects favorable traits and reduces unfavorable traits, relying on:
- Variation (essential for natural selection)
- Selection (environmental pressures)
- Heredity (traits are passed on through generations)
Variation within Populations
- Genetic diversity within a population can be affected by:
- Genetic drift (chance events)
- Genetic flow (emigration and immigration)
Selection
- Environmental pressures, such as biotic and abiotic factors, determine which variations provide an advantage for survival.
Competition
- Individuals within a population compete for resources, and those with advantageous variations are better suited to obtain resources and survive.
Observing Evolution
- Natural selection takes several generations to produce noticeable changes.
Speciation
- The formation of a new species through geographic isolation, natural selection, and reproductive isolation.
Types of Evolution
- Variations on speciation and different evolutionary paths.
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Description
Explore the diversity of life on earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and variation within species. Learn about the different types of diversity and how they arise from genetic and environmental factors.
