Variation and Selection

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the concepts of variation and selection in biological contexts.

Variation

The differences between individuals of the same species.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA caused by inherited variation from parents.

Environmental Variation

Variation that is due to environmental factors, such as diet and sunlight.

Natural Selection

The process in which better adapted individuals survive and pass on their genes to their offspring.

Selective Breeding

The selection and breeding of organisms chosen by humans for their desirable characteristics.

Continuous Variation

Characterised by a gradual change in a characteristic across a population, such as height or mass.

Discontinuous Variation

Variation where individuals can be placed into distinct groups, such as tongue rolling or blood type.

Antibiotic Resistance

When bacteria cannot be killed by at least one type of antibiotic.

Extinction

When a species has failed to adapt and no living members of the species survive.

Theory of Evolution

A continuing process of natural selection that leads to gradual changes in organisms over time.