Genetics and Evolution in Wildlife (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key genetics and evolution concepts from the wildlife genetics lecture.

DNA

The genetic material that serves as the blueprint for life; composed of nucleotide bases and located on chromosomes.

Nucleotide bases

The four chemical bases in DNA: Guanine (G), Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T).

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotide bases that codes for a specific amino acid in protein synthesis.

Gene

A unit of heredity on DNA that provides instructions for building proteins and determining traits.

Chromosome

A DNA-containing structure in cells; genes are arranged on chromosomes; many organisms have pairs of chromosomes.

Locus

The specific position of a gene on a chromosome.

Allele

A version of a gene; different alleles can produce different trait variants.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a gene.

Genotype

An individual's specific combination of alleles for a gene or set of genes.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism resulting from genotype and environment.

Diploid

A cell with two complete sets of chromosomes (2n).

Haploid

A cell with one set of chromosomes (n); e.g., gametes.

Chromosome pairs

Different species have different numbers of chromosome pairs; e.g., humans 23 pairs (46 chromosomes).

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can be deleterious, neutral, or adaptive; original source of genetic variation.

Evolution

Change in the genetic composition (allele frequencies) of a population over time, potentially leading to new species when populations are isolated.

Natural selection

Environmental pressures favor certain inherited traits, shifting allele frequencies over generations.

Genetic variation

Differences in the genetic makeup among individuals within a population.

Genotypic variation

Differences among individuals in their genetic makeup (allele combinations).

Phenotypic variation

Differences in outward traits caused by genotype and environment.

Genotype-Environment interaction

Phenotype is determined by the interaction of genotype with the environment.

Meiosis

A cell division that produces haploid gametes and increases genetic variation via recombination.

Mitosis

Cell division producing two genetically identical diploid cells for growth and tissue maintenance.

Gamete

A haploid sex cell (sperm or egg) that fuses during fertilization.

Fertilization

Union of two gametes forming a diploid zygote.

Recombination

The exchange of genetic material during meiosis creating new allele combinations.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction that involves gamete fusion and genetic recombination, generating variation.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without gamete fusion, producing genetically identical offspring.

Genetic drift

Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations, reducing genetic variation.

Inbreeding

Mating between relatives that increases homozygosity and the risk of recessive traits.

Speciation

The formation of a new species, often when populations become isolated or environments change.

Red Queen Hypothesis

Idea that species must continually evolve to keep up with changing biotic interactions in a coevolving environment.

Sexual selection

A form of natural selection where traits influence mating success (e.g., elaborate traits or mate choice).

eDNA

Environmental DNA: DNA shed by organisms into the environment that can be detected to monitor biodiversity.

Genomics

Study of an organism’s full genome and gene-environment interactions, supported by bioinformatics.

Dominant allele

An allele whose trait is expressed in the phenotype when present in one or two copies.

Recessive allele

An allele whose trait is expressed only when two copies are present (homozygous).

GACT

The four DNA bases: Guanine, Adenine, Cytosine, Thymine.

Zygote

The diploid cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

Black-billed magpie

No specialized male/female names; Young are called chicks and group called flocks. Creates large nests that take up to 40 days; wide diet.