Evolution: Adaptation and Variation

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Evolution Adaptation and Variation
Adaptation A structure, behaviour or
physiological process that helps an organism
survive in a particular environment.
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Mimicry different types
- Camouflage mimicry
- A structural similarity of one species to
another that protects one or both of the species
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Mutation The source of genetic variation
Mutation A change in DNA Harmful Mutations
reduce the reproductive success of an individual
(eg Cystic Fibrosis) Beneficial Mutations
Produce a change in an individuals phenotype that
gives the individual an advantage. Example
sickle cell allele gives carriers a better
chance of survival in areas where malaria is
present.
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Selective Breeding Artificial Selection of
Traits
Artificial Selection directed breeding in which
individuals that exhibit a particular trait are
chosen as parents of the next generation
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Selective breeding dogs
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• Artificial selection has been carried out on a
  variety of traits in a number of organisms.
• examples have had an important impact on
  agriculture, including selection on
• growth rate and milk production in cows
• egg production in chickens
• back-fat in pigs
• grain yield in wheat
• One of the longest running studies where
  evolutionary change has been documented began in
  corn in 1896 at the University of Illinois