Reproductive Strategies and Genetic Diversity (Unit 2)

Vocabulary flashcards drawn from lecture notes on genetic diversity, inheritance, sexual vs asexual reproduction, and mechanisms that generate variation.

Genetic diversity

Genomic differences between individuals within a population; raw material for natural selection and the mechanism of evolution.

Natural selection

The process by which heritable traits that improve survival and reproduction become more common, driving evolution.

Fitness

The quality of a trait that increases an individual’s chances of survival or reproduction.

Phenotypic variation

Differences in observable traits between members of a species.

Heritable trait

A trait that can be passed from parent to offspring through genetic information.

Overproduction

Individuals often produce more offspring than can survive to maturity.

Observation 1

There is phenotypic variation between members of a species.

Observation 2

Offspring tend to look like their parents.

Observation 3

Individuals produce more offspring than needed to replace themselves.

Observation 4

Some offspring don’t survive to reach sexual maturity.

Inference A

Individuals with traits that increase survival and reproduction leave more offspring.

Inference B

Unequal reproduction leads to accumulation of favorable traits in a population over generations.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction involving genetic material from two parents, generating offspring with new allele combinations.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without fertilization; offspring are genetically similar to the parent and can reproduce rapidly.

Random mating

Mating that occurs by chance within a population, increasing genetic variation in offspring.

Independent assortment

The random orientation of non-homologous chromosomes at Metaphase I, producing diverse gamete combinations.

Crossing over

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I, creating new allele combinations.

Recombination

Process of exchanging genetic material that generates new combinations of alleles.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces haploid gametes and enables genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.

Prophase I

Stage of meiosis where crossing over and recombination occur.

Metaphase I

Stage of meiosis where paired homologous chromosomes align and independently assort.

Mutation

A heritable change in the DNA sequence that introduces new genetic variation.

Advantages of sexual reproduction

Includes mixing of genetic information, random mating, independent assortment, and crossing over.

Disadvantages of sexual reproduction

Requires time and energy; can be inefficient; depends on vectors (pollinators); risk to life.

Advantages of asexual reproduction

Rapid population growth; efficient; no need to find a mate; no reliance on vectors; all individuals can reproduce.

Disadvantages of asexual reproduction

Lack of genetic variation; variation arises mainly from mutation.