placing objects into groups based on similar characteristics
Taxonomy
the science of classifying things
Species
A group of similar organisms that are capable of naturally interbreeding with each other to produce fertile offspring
Variation
within a species means that in a group of successfully interbredding organisms the individual members show diiferent characteristics
Acquired variation plus example
not inherited but are learned or developed during life
speech
Inherited variation and example
are controlled by genes
eye colour
What does sexual reproduction do?
causes genetic variation to occur
crossing over occurs allows genes to be exchanged
in fertilization the random assortment of genes
Mutations
a spontaneous/sudden change in the amount/structure of DNA
Mutagens
agents that cause mutations
gamma radiation
formaldehyde
Chromosome mutation
A large change in the structure of one or more chromosomes
Evolution
the way in which living things change genetically to produce new forms of life over long periods
Darwins and Wallace's theory of evolution
Ob1: overbreeding
Ob2: population numbers remain constant
C1:There is struggle existence
Ob3: inherited variations arise in species
C2: Natural selection
Natural selection
The process of which those organisms with genetically controlled characteristics that allow them to be well adapted to their environment will survive and pass on to following generations
Specification
The production of new species as a result of evolution
Paleontology
the study of fossils
Fossils
the remains of something that lived a long time ago (or some mutation of something that lived a long time ago.)