Genetic Diversity in Agroecology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to genetic diversity in agroecology, based on lecture notes.

Genetic Diversity

Total number of genetic characteristics in the genome of a crop species.

Intraspecific Diversity

Genetic variation among varieties (landraces, cultivars) of a crop species.

Interspecific Diversity

Number of crop (and non-crop) species, representing spatial diversity.

Temporal Diversity

Change in species diversity over time, such as through rotations.

Landscape Diversity

Habitat diversity within an ecological region.

Genetic Erosion

The loss of genetic diversity within crop species.

Irish Potato Blight

A historical event where the 'Irish Lumper' potato was devastated, leading to a major crop failure.

Polyploidy

Having more than two sets of homologous chromosomes, common in plants.

Self Pollination

A method where a plant fertilizes itself, leading to lower genetic variability.

Cross Pollination

Fertilization between different plants, leading to higher genetic variability.

Hybridization

The crossing of two plants with different characteristics to create hybrids.

Transgenic Crops

Crops that have been genetically modified to incorporate genes from another species.

Directed Selection

Plant breeding method that includes mass selection and hybridization techniques.

Natural Selection

The process where individuals better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

Phenotype

The physical and behavioral expression of an individual’s genotype.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the information needed to produce a specific protein.

Chromosome

A structure that carries genetic information in the form of DNA.

Vascular Plant Species

Plants that have specialized structures for transporting water and nutrients.

Biotic Pollination

Pollination that depends on living organisms, essential for many crop types.

Artificial Pollination

Human intervention in the pollination process to ensure fertilization.