Adaptive Genotypes & Phenotypes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to adaptive genotypes and phenotypes in human evolution.

Bottleneck

An event that drastically reduces the size of a population, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

Local Adaptation

The process through which populations evolve traits that enhance survival and reproduction in their specific environments.

Lactase Persistence

The continued expression of the lactase enzyme into adulthood, allowing the digestion of lactose.

Convergent Evolution

The independent evolution of similar traits in different species due to adaptation to similar environments.

Chronic Hypoxia

A condition of insufficient oxygen in the tissues that can result from living at high altitudes.

Sickle-cell Anemia

A genetic blood disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to abnormally shaped red blood cells.

Heterozygote Advantage

A situation where heterozygous individuals have a higher fitness than homozygous individuals.

Balanced Polymorphism

The maintenance of multiple alleles in a population due to selective pressures favoring heterozygotes.

Vitamin D Production

The process in which the skin synthesizes vitamin D upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Folate Degradation

The breakdown of folate (fetal development) due to excessive ultraviolet radiation, which can affect fetal development and fertility.

Adaptive Traits

Characteristics that enhance the survival and reproduction of an organism in its environment.

Arsenic Tolerance

The ability of certain populations to excrete arsenic more efficiently, adapting to high arsenic environments.