Biology unit 2 - area of study 2 outcome 2

What is asexual reproduction?

A type of reproduction involving only one parent, producing genetically identical offspring (clones).

What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

• Rapid population growth.

• No need for a mate.

• Offspring are genetically identical and well-suited to stable environments.

What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?

• No genetic variation, making populations vulnerable to environmental changes or diseases.

• Mutations can accumulate over generations.

What is sexual reproduction?

Reproduction involving two parents, where gametes fuse to produce genetically unique offspring.

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

• Produces genetic variation through meiosis and fertilisation.

• Increases adaptability and survival of species in changing environments.

• Helps populations evolve over time.

What are the disadvantages of sexual reproduction?

• Slower process requiring two parents.

• Energy and time are needed to find mates and produce gametes.

What is reproductive cloning?

A process used to produce genetically identical organisms through laboratory techniques such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).

What happens in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)?

• The nucleus is removed from an egg cell.

• A nucleus from a somatic (body) cell is inserted into the egg.

• The cell is stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo.

• The embryo is implanted into a surrogate mother.

What is the goal of reproductive cloning?

To create a genetically identical organism for agriculture, research, or conservation purposes.

What are some applications of cloning?

• Reproducing animals with desirable traits in farming.

• Reviving endangered species.

• Producing genetically identical research organisms.

What are the ethical concerns of cloning?

• Low success rates and animal welfare issues.

• Reduced genetic diversity.

• Moral concerns about manipulating life and identity.

What is genetic diversity?

The total variety of genes within a species or population.

Why is genetic diversity important?

It increases a population’s ability to adapt to environmental changes, resist diseases, and survive long-term.

What can low genetic diversity lead to?

Higher vulnerability to extinction, reduced adaptability, and increased likelihood of genetic disorders.

What is a structural adaptation?

A physical feature that helps an organism survive in its environment.
Example: Thick fur in polar bears for insulation.

What is a physiological adaptation?

An internal body process that helps an organism survive.
Example: Desert frogs entering estivation to conserve water.

What is a behavioural adaptation?

An action or behaviour that improves survival or reproduction.
Example: Birds migrating to warmer regions in winter.

How do adaptations enhance survival?

They improve an organism’s ability to find food, escape predators, cope with climate, or reproduce successfully.

How are adaptations shaped over time?

Through natural selection, where advantageous traits become more common because they increase survival and reproduction.

What does “fitness” mean in biology?

An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

What is interdependence between species?

The reliance of species on one another for resources such as food, shelter, and pollination.

What is a keystone species?

A species that has a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity.
Example: Sea otters controlling sea urchin populations to protect kelp forests.

How can loss of a keystone species affect an ecosystem?

It can cause ecosystem collapse, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of food webs.

How do predators contribute to ecosystem stability?

Predators control prey populations, preventing overgrazing and maintaining ecological balance.

How have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples contributed to understanding species adaptations?

Their knowledge, developed over tens of thousands of years, is based on close observation of how species survive, reproduce, and adapt to changing environments.

How is traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) developed?

Through long-term observation, cultural storytelling, and intergenerational transmission of environmental understanding.

How does TEK demonstrate understanding of adaptations?

It recognises how species respond to seasonal cycles, fire regimes, and water availability, showing deep insight into survival strategies.

How does TEK help modern science?

It complements Western ecological science by offering sustainable land management practices and insights into ecosystem resilience.

Why is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ecological knowledge valuable today?

It supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and climate adaptation through place-based understanding of ecosystems.