DNA, Mutations, and Natural Selection Vocab

Deletion

• A type of mutation where a section of DNA is lost or deleted.

• A process where DNA is replicated incorrectly.

• A method of gene therapy that adds extra DNA.

• A type of mutation that results in the duplication of DNA.

Gene

• A segment of DNA that contains the coding for your traits.

• A type of protein that helps in muscle contraction.

• A molecule that carries oxygen in the blood.

• A structure that protects the cell from external damage.

Natural Selection

• The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• A method of breeding plants and animals for desired traits.

• The theory that all species of organisms arise and develop through natural selection.

• A scientific method for classifying living organisms.

Cell

• The basic unit of structure and function in all living organisms.

• A type of tissue that connects different parts of the body.

• An organelle responsible for energy production.

• A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Low Fitness

• The increased ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

• The reduced ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

• The ability of an organism to thrive in any environment.

• The capacity of an organism to adapt to changing conditions.

Variation

• Differences in physical traits of an individual from the group to which it belongs.

• A process of natural selection that leads to evolution.

• The ability of an organism to adapt to its environment over time.

• A genetic mutation that occurs in a population.

High Fitness

• The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

• The ability of an organism to adapt to any environment quickly.

• The ability of an organism to consume more resources than others.

• The ability of an organism to live longer than its peers.

Nucleus

• Organelle that contains DNA.

• Site of protein synthesis in the cell.

• Structure that provides energy to the cell.

• Membrane-bound organelle involved in detoxification.

Neutral Mutation

• A mutation that increases an organism's fitness.

• A mutation that decreases an organism's fitness.

• A mutation that has no effect on an organism's fitness.

• A mutation that is always harmful to the organism.

Survival of the Fittest

• A concept of natural selection where only the organisms best adapted to their environment survive.

• A theory that suggests all organisms have an equal chance of survival.

• A principle that states stronger organisms will dominate weaker ones regardless of adaptation.

• A belief that survival is determined solely by luck and chance.