Unit 2.6: Adaptations

Genetic Diversity

Genetic Diversity

Variability in genomes due to mutations and crossing over

Random Mutations

Changes in DNA during copying, leading to new traits

Crossing Over

Exchange of genetic information between chromosomes during meiosis

Adaptation

Trait from genetic variability that increases organism's fitness

Natural Selection

Process where better-adapted organisms survive and reproduce

Evolution

Population-wide change due to spread of advantageous traits

Selective Force

Environmental condition killing off individuals without adaptations

Microevolution

Small changes within a species over time

Selective Pressure

Environmental factor selecting for certain traits

Predation

Act of preying on other organisms for food

Gray Mice

Mice with fur color that helps them blend into their environment

Fitness

Measure of organism's ability to survive and reproduce

Environment

Determines which traits are advantageous for an organism

Disadvantage

Trait hindering in new environment

Drought

Causes seeds to be larger and harder

Beak Size

Varies due to food source accessibility

Generation Time

Affects speed of adaptation in species

Evolution Pace

Higher pace lowers species adaptation likelihood

Migration

Necessary if environment changes too rapidly

Extinction

Risk with slow adaptation to rapid changes

Bacteria

Evolve rapidly due to short lifespan

Viruses

Evolve quickly due to rapid reproduction

Human Evolution

Slow due to long lifespan and reproduction cycle

Data Set Analysis

Describing relationships among variables in a dataset

Finch Beak Size

Varies based on food source accessibility

Galapagos Islands

Location of finch beak size study

Environmental Change

Influences trait adaptability and survival

Trait

Characteristic affecting organism's success

Adaptive Advantage

Trait beneficial in specific environmental conditions

Adaptive Disadvantage

Trait hindering in specific environmental conditions

Seed Size

Affected by drought, influencing beak size

Species Adaptation

Ability to adjust to environmental changes

Beneficial Mutation

Genetic change advantageous in new environment

Trait Adaptability

Ability to adjust traits to new environmental conditions