Untitled Flashcards Set

Natural Selection

The process driving evolutionary change through environmental selection pressures.

Inherited Variation

Differences within a population that are passed from parents to offspring, crucial for natural selection.

Overproduction of Offspring

A phenomenon where species produce more offspring than the environment can support, leading to competition for resources.

Selection Pressures

External agents that affect an organism's ability to survive and reproduce.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living environmental conditions such as light intensity and temperature that act as selection pressures.

Adaptation

A feature that enhances the survival of an organism in its environment.

Sexual Selection

A form of natural selection where individuals compete for mates or are chosen based on certain traits.

Karyotyping

The process of pairing and ordering chromosomes to analyze an individual's genetic profile.

Genomic Diversity

Variability in genetic information within and between species.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Species Richness

The number of different species present in an area.

Anthropogenic Causes

Factors resulting from human activity that lead to biodiversity loss.

Extinction

The complete loss of a species or higher taxon level, resulting in reduced biodiversity.

In Situ Conservation

Preservation of species in their natural habitats.

Ex Situ Conservation

Preservation of species outside their natural habitats.

EDGE of Existence Programme

A conservation prioritization program targeting unique and endangered species.

Biological Species Concept

A definition of species based on the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Chromosome Number

The total number of chromosomes in an organism, critical for interbreeding.

Species Evenness

The relative abundance of different species in an ecosystem.

Mass Extinction

An event when a significant number of species die out in a short time period.

What is Genomic Diversity?

Genomic diversity refers to the variability in the genetic makeup of individuals within and between species.

Importance of Genomic Diversity

Genomic diversity is crucial for the adaptability of species to changing environments and for overall ecosystem health.

Factors Affecting Genomic Diversity

Population size, mutation rates, and environmental pressures are key factors influencing genomic diversity.

Genomic Diversity and Conservation

High genomic diversity in populations can enhance resilience against diseases and environmental changes.

Measuring Genomic Diversity

Genomic diversity can be assessed using techniques such as DNA sequencing and genetic markers.