Natural Selection and Genetic Drift

Front

What is the term for a trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment?

Back

Adaptation

Front

What is the term for the differences in traits among individuals of the same species?

Back

Genetic Variation

Front

What is the process called that leads to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time?

Back

Evolution

Front

What effect occurs when a population's size is significantly reduced due to an environmental event, leading to a loss of genetic diversity?

Back

Bottleneck Effect

Front

What is the term for the random changes in allele frequencies in a population due to chance events?

Back

Genetic Drift

Front

What is the term for the mechanism by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce?

Back

Natural Selection

Front

What is the difference between natural selection and genetic drift?

Back

Natural selection is a non-random process that favors advantageous traits, while genetic drift is a random process that can lead to changes in allele frequencies regardless of the traits' advantages.

Front

What is the term for a situation where a small group of individuals establishes a new population, potentially leading to reduced genetic diversity?

Back

Founder Effect

Front

How does genetic variation contribute to the process of natural selection?

Back

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection, allowing some individuals to have traits that better suit them to their environment.

Front

What is the significance of the bottleneck effect in conservation biology?

Back

The bottleneck effect can lead to reduced genetic diversity, making populations more vulnerable to extinction.