Evolution, Genetics, and Selection Exam Preparation

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on evolution evidence, DNA relatedness, genetic modification, and selection processes.

Evolution

A key biological concept to be defined using short, clear definitions from the study sheet.

Mutation

A change in DNA to be defined using short, clear definitions from the study sheet.

Fossil record rock layers

A system where lower layers are older and higher layers are younger, used to support the theory of evolution.

Transitional fossils

Fossils that show species changing from one form to another, evidencing adaptations over time.

Incomplete fossil record

A limitation of fossil evidence due to the fact that many fossils are missing.

Fossilisation rarity

A limitation of fossil evidence because most organisms decay before they can fossilise.

Chimpanzee DNA similarity

Identified as the species most closely related to humans with a similarity of $98\%root$.

Elephant DNA similarity

Identified as the species least related to humans with a similarity of $-40\%root$.

Chromosome numbers

Information that is irrelevant when identifying species relatedness through DNA similarity tables.

Golden Rice

A crop created through genetic modification where genes are inserted so the rice produces beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene

A substance added to Golden Rice which the human body converts into Vitamin A.

Vitamin A

The specific vitamin the human body produces after converting the beta-carotene found in Golden Rice.

Artificial Selection

The process where humans choose dogs or organisms with desired traits and breed them together over many generations to cater to human needs.

Cross contamination (GM Crops)

A disadvantage of genetic modification in crops that can lead to loss of biodiversity and/or allergens.

Toxins (GM Crops)

A disadvantage of genetic modification where crops may release toxins or cause unknown complications.

Selection pressures

Factors such as predation and Industrial Revolution soot on trees that drive natural selection, as seen in peppered moths.

Black peppered moth allele

The genetic variant that became more popular because black moths survived selection pressures and passed the allele to their offspring.