Genetic Variation and Evolution Overview

Variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals that belong to the same species.

Genetic traits are inherited features passed down through genes, while acquired traits are developed during an individual's life.

Variation can arise from genetic mutations and environmental factors.

<p>Limited genetic variability can make a population more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mutations are random changes in genetic code that can introduce new variations in traits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The environment can cause changes in physical traits, such as sun exposure affecting skin tone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetic diversity enhances a population's ability to adapt and survive challenges in their environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reproduction is essential for the transmission of mutations from one generation to the next.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment have a greater chance of survival and reproduction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The five steps are variation, selection pressure, survival, reproduction/inheritance, and generation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A species is a group of organisms that can breed together to produce fertile offspring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>New species form through isolation within a population followed by evolution under different selection pressures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adaptations are genetic traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When environmental conditions change, different traits may be favored, potentially starting the process of natural selection anew.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Variation among individuals in a population is crucial, as it provides the different traits that selection pressures can act upon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Behavioral adaptations involve responses made by organisms that aid in survival or reproduction, while physical or physiological adaptations are structural or functional changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Evolution is any change in the genetic traits of a population over many generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetic variation is crucial because it allows populations to adapt and evolve through the selection of beneficial traits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three key elements are genetic variation within a population, natural selection of beneficial traits, and reproduction that promotes the successful traits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Natural selection leads to increased prevalence of traits by favoring individuals with advantageous traits, which enhances their survival and reproductive success.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Populations with low genetic diversity are at a higher risk of extinction, as they may not survive even small environmental changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mutations contribute to evolution by creating new genetic variations that can be selected for or against in a population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The reproduction of individuals with successful traits results in those traits becoming more common in future generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adaptive traits are those that increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction, making them more common in the population over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Structural adaptations are physical features like a long beak, while physiological adaptations are body processes, such as temperature regulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Artificial selection is the intentional breeding for desired traits, whereas natural selection is the survival of organisms better suited to their environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a population, which contributes to the adaptability and survival of the species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acquired traits are features gained during an individual's lifetime, such as a tattoo, while genetic traits are determined by an individual's DNA and inherited from parents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Selection pressure is an environmental factor that affects an organism's ability to survive; for example, predators increasing pressure on prey populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mutations introduce random changes in genetic code, producing new variations in traits that can lead to evolution over generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A species is defined as a group of organisms that can breed to produce fertile offspring, allowing for continued existence and evolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more effectively, leading to evolutionary changes in populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers