Natural Selection and Adaptations Flashcards

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DNA

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The abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, an organism's genetic material.

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Nucleotide

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A molecule made of a nitrogen base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

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Replication

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The process of copying a DNA molecule to make another DNA molecule.

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RNA

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Ribonucleic acid, a type of nucleic acid that carries the code for making proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

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Transcription

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The process of making mRNA from DNA.

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Translation

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The process of making a protein from RNA.

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Mutation

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A permanent change in the sequence of DNA, or the nucleotides, in a gene or a chromosome.

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Variation

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A slight difference in an inherited trait among individual members of a species.

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Natural Selection

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The process by which organisms with variations that help them survive in their environment live longer, compete better, and reproduce more than those that do not have the variations.

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Adaptation

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An inherited trait that increases an organism’s chance of surviving and reproducing in a particular environment.