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What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
What are the key components of natural selection?
The key components of natural selection are variation, competition, survival of the fittest, and reproduction.
What role does variation play in natural selection?
Variation provides the diversity in a population upon which natural selection acts.
What is meant by 'survival of the fittest'?
'Survival of the fittest' refers to the idea that individuals best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
How does genetic drift differ from natural selection?
Genetic drift is a random process that affects allele frequencies in a population, whereas natural selection is a non-random process that selects for advantageous traits.
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits in an organism.
Give an example of a beneficial mutation.
An example of a beneficial mutation is the mutation that confers resistance to a disease.
What is genetic modification?
Genetic modification is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.
List one method of genetic modification.
One method of genetic modification is CRISPR-Cas9, which allows for precise alterations to DNA.
What is a transgenic organism?
A transgenic organism is one that has been genetically modified to contain DNA from another species.
What is gene therapy?
Gene therapy is a technique aimed at correcting defective genes responsible for disease development.
What is the significance of the peppered moth in natural selection studies?
The peppered moth is significant as it demonstrated natural selection through the change in coloration due to pollution during the Industrial Revolution.
Define fitness in biological terms.
In biological terms, fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
What is artificial selection?
Artificial selection is the human practice of selecting specific animals or plants for breeding based on desired traits.
How can genetic engineering be used in agriculture?
Genetic engineering can be used in agriculture to create crops that are resistant to pests or harsh environmental conditions.
What is a genome?
A genome is the complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
Describe the concept of speciation.
Speciation is the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
What role do predators play in natural selection?
Predators are a driving force in natural selection, influencing prey populations and traits.
What is ecological adaptation?
Ecological adaptation refers to the process in which an organism adjusts to its environment in order to survive.
Explain the concept of niche in ecology.
A niche is the role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.
What is the significance of Darwin's theory of evolution?
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection provides a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.
What is cloning in biological terms?
Cloning is the process of producing genetically identical individuals of an organism.
What are embryonic stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells are cells derived from early-stage embryos that can develop into any cell type.
What is the role of recombinant DNA technology?
Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from different sources to produce new genetic combinations.
Describe gene cloning.
Gene cloning is the process of making multiple copies of a specific gene.
What is an allele?
An allele is a variation of a gene that can produce different traits.
What is genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
How does natural selection contribute to evolution?
Natural selection contributes to evolution by favoring the survival and reproduction of beneficial traits over generations.
What are phenotypes?
Phenotypes are the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
What is a gene pool?
A gene pool is the total collection of genes in a population at any one time.
Define the term 'speciation event.'
A speciation event is the occurrence in which a single lineage splits into two or more genetically independent lineages.
What is selective pressure?
Selective pressure is an environmental factor that causes certain traits to be advantageous or disadvantageous.
How can horizontal gene transfer affect evolution?
Horizontal gene transfer can lead to rapid genetic changes and adaptation in organisms, particularly bacteria.
What is phenotypic plasticity?
Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental changes.
Explain the term 'adaptive radiation.'
Adaptive radiation is the process in which organisms diversify rapidly into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.
What is the difference between genetic modification and traditional breeding?
Genetic modification involves direct manipulation of genes, while traditional breeding relies on selective breeding over generations.
What ethical concerns surround genetic modification?
Ethical concerns include potential risks to human health, environmental impacts, and moral implications of altering life forms.
Define biological conservation.
Biological conservation is the practice of protecting and managing biodiversity, including species and their habitats.
How can natural selection lead to antibiotic resistance in bacteria?
Natural selection can lead to antibiotic resistance as bacteria survive treatment due to mutations or acquired traits, leading to a population of resistant bacteria.
What is the role of DNA in heredity?
DNA carries genetic information that is passed from parents to offspring, determining traits.
Explain the concept of evolutionary fitness.
Evolutionary fitness refers to an organism's reproductive success and its ability to pass on genes to the next generation.
What is the function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system?
The CRISPR-Cas9 system is used for editing genes by allowing scientists to add, remove, or alter genetic material.
What is a phenotype vs genotype?
A phenotype is the observable characteristics, while a genotype is the genetic constitution of an individual.
What does the term 'inbreeding' refer to?
Inbreeding refers to the mating of closely related individuals, which can increase the likelihood of genetic disorders.
What is gene flow?
Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between populations, contributing to genetic diversity.
Describe the process of artificial insemination.
Artificial insemination is a reproductive technology that involves directly inserting sperm into a female's reproductive tract.
