AC 4.9.2025 Natural Selection & Adaptation

Traits

• A characteristic that an organism can pass on to its offspring through its genes.

• A random mutation that occurs in an organism's DNA.

• An environmental factor that influences an organism's behavior.

• A temporary change in an organism's appearance.

Inherited traits

• Traits that are passed from parents to their offspring.

• Characteristics acquired during an individual's lifetime.

• Random mutations that occur in DNA.

• Environmental factors that influence development.

Genes

• DNA segments that determine traits.

• Proteins that regulate cell functions.

• Cells that carry genetic information.

• Chromosomes that store energy.

Extinction

• When a species no longer has any known living individuals.

• When a species evolves into a new species.

• When a species migrates to a different habitat.

• When a species is protected by law.

Acquired traits

• Characteristics or behavior not genetic or inherited.

• Traits passed down from parents to offspring.

• Inherent characteristics present at birth.

• Physical features determined by environmental factors.

Variations

• Any difference between individuals of the same species.

• A type of mutation that occurs in DNA.

• A method of reproduction in plants.

• A classification of species based on habitat.

Mutation

• A change in the DNA sequence of an organism.

• A process of natural selection.

• An increase in genetic diversity.

• A type of genetic engineering.

Biodiversity

• The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

• The total number of species in a specific area.

• The genetic differences within a species.

• The number of individuals in a population.

Homologous Structure

• Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.

• Structures that serve the same function in different species but have different evolutionary origins.

• Structures that are completely unrelated in different species.

• Structures that are identical in structure and function across different species.

Heredity

• Passing of traits from parents to offspring.

• The process of evolution over generations.

• The study of genetic mutations.

• The influence of environment on traits.