Studied by 0 people
Define genetic diversity
The number of alleles of genes in a species or population
Define population
The number of organisms of the same species, in the same area at the same time, that are able to inter read
How can genetic diversity be increased
By mutations and gene flow
Why is high genetic diversity beneficial to a population
It enables natural selection to occur
Describe the process of natural selection
Random mutations occur in a new allele for a gene, new allele increases chances of survival, advantageous allele is inherited over generations, frequency of the new allele increases
Describe differential reproductive success
A new allele increasing chances of survival of survival for that individual
What does natural selection result in
Species better adapted to their environment
Define anatomical adaptations
Physical adaptation such as fur and ears
Define behavioural adaptations
Adaptations on the behaviour of organisms, such as hibernating
Define physiological adaptations
Adaptations biochemically, such as poison and tanning
Describe directional selection
One extreme phenotype allele is favoured and selected for
Give an example of directional selection
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Describe stabilising selection
The medium phenotype allele is selected for
Give an example of stabilising selection
Birth Weight
Describe divergent selection
Both extreme phenotypes alleles are selected for
Give an example of divergent selection
Black and white moths
What can divergent selection lead to
Speciation and therefore evolution
