Ecology Lecture: Trait Variation and Genetics

Flashcards based on concepts of trait variation, genetics, and ecological principles from the lecture.

Phenotypic Variation

Variation in traits among individuals in a population resulting from genetic and environmental differences.

Gene

A section of DNA that encodes for a protein, affecting an organism’s traits.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that arise from mutation.

Locus

A specific location in the genome or on a chromosome where a gene is found.

Phenotypic Plasticity

The capacity of a genotype to express more than one phenotype in response to environmental conditions.

Experimental Design

The structure of an experiment that includes test hypotheses and methods for comparison.

Genotypic Variation

Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population.

Environmental Variation

Differences in traits due to differing environmental conditions experienced by individuals.

Reciprocal Transplant Experiment

An experimental method to test how different genotypes perform in varying environments.

Test of Phenotypic Plasticity

An experimental setup to assess how environmental factors influence the expression of traits within the same genotype.