Genetics and Heredity Study Guide
Be able to match the following words with their definitions:
genetics
heredity
traits
offspring
genetic variation
adaptation
sexual reproduction
asexual reproduction
selective breeding
cross-pollinating
extinction
evolution
dominant trait
recessive trait
DNA
mutation
allele
gene
chromosomes
natural selection
sex chromosomes
genotype
phenotype
fossil
fossil record
The following questions will have four choices:
Julia and Jim are brother and sister. How similar are their inherited traits?
How can fossils be used as evidence that evolution by natural selection has been in effect for millions of
years?
Rainfall in a tropical region is below average for 10 consecutive years. Insect species adapted for dry
conditions are much more plentiful at the end of 10 years. Write a statement that best explains the
increase in the population of these insects.
How can evolution can be seen in the fossil record?
What are some examples of selective breeding?
If Jessica has light eyes (bb) and both of her parents have dark eyes (Bb), what statement is true about
the genes she inherited from her parents?
Peach trees have sweet-smelling blossoms and produce rich fruit. What is the main purpose of these
adaptations?
A rare disorder is caused by changes in a gene. Parents of individuals with the disorder have only normal
copies of this gene. What of these most likely causes this disorder?
Solar radiation caused a skin cell mutation in an individual. Who will be affected by this mutation?
What is one advantage to a species as a whole of sexual reproduction?
____________ of many different kinds of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, etc. look very similar
and it is often difficult to tell them apart.