8.1 Vocabulary: Bed Bugs and Natural Selection

Vocabulary terms covering genetics, natural selection, adaptation, and trait expression from Unit 8.1.

Species

A classification comprising related organisms that share common characteristics and are capable of interbreeding.

Population

A particular section, group, or type of people or animals living in an area or country.

Trait

A genetically determined characteristic.

Environmental Conditions

The quality and state of the environment—an inescapable part of daily life that can impact health.

Probability

How likely something is to happen.

Gene

A sequence of DNA that determines the structure of a protein. The combination of genes on the chromosomes determines what proteins are made in the cell.

Protein

Large complex molecules that are responsible for traits. They make up the structure and control most functions and chemical reactions in living cells.

Mutation

A random and permanent change to genetic material in a gene. Mutations to genetic material are rare in nature.

Heritable

(Of a characteristic) transmissible from parent to offspring.

Distribution

The way in which traits are shared out among a population.

Natural Selection

Process that causes traits in a population to become less common due to some traits making it more likely for individuals to survive and reproduce.

Adaptation

A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

Resistance

The ability not to be affected by something.

Order that determines a trait

Mutation leads to Genetic Code leads to Gene leads to Protein structure / Function leads to Trait.