Flashcard #11 - Mutations and Adaptations

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is a characteristic or trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

Give an example of a physical adaptation.

Back

White fur on a polar bear is a physical adaptation that helps it blend in with its snowy environment.

Front

What is a behavioral adaptation?

Back

A behavioral adaptation is a change in behavior that helps an organism survive, such as migration in birds.

Front

Why do some plants have thorns?

Back

Plants have thorns to protect themselves from animals that want to eat them.

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism that can lead to new traits.

Front

Can mutations be harmful?

Back

Yes, mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral depending on their effects on the organism.

Front

What is an example of a harmful mutation?

Back

Developing cancer is an example of a harmful mutation.

Front

What is an example of a beneficial mutation?

Back

A mutation that makes an organism faster can be considered beneficial.

Front

What does it mean for a mutation to be neutral?

Back

A neutral mutation does not significantly affect the organism's ability to survive or reproduce.

Front

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which is essential for the process of natural selection in evolution.