Genetics Essential Questions
1. What should you now know? (Read and find out)
Living things are made of smaller structures whose functions enable the organisms to survive. The
basic unit of structure in all living things is the cell. Cells combine to form tissues that combine to
form organs that combine to form systems that work together for the benefit of the entire
organism. While most cells have common structures, there are differences between plant and
animal cells. Cell details are usually visible only through a microscope.
Reproduction passes genetic information from parent to offspring. Asexual reproduction requires
one parent and produces nearly identical offspring. Sexual reproduction requires two parents, and
provides variety in a species. This variety may allow the species to adapt to changes in the
environment and help the species survive. A species may change due to the passing of inherited
traits naturally or by techniques used and developed by science. Genetic information is passed on
in a predictable manner. Not all traits are inherited, some are acquired (you learn or gain them
instead of being born with them).
Directions: The following essential question journal gives you the opportunity to reflect/review on what you
know. It is made of only key points and questions. Each essential question will ask to recall something you
should know or ask you to demonstrate how to do something
1: Compare how sexual and asexual reproduction passes genetic information from parent to offspring.
A. Make a chart or a Venn diagram below to compare and contrast the two types of reproduction(asexual and
sexual) and cite advantages/disadvantages to each?
B. Make a chart or a Venn diagram below to compare and contrast the two types of cell division; Mitosis and
Meiosis?
C. What is a trait?
D. What is the difference between inherited and acquired traits? Give an example of an inherited and acquired
trait.
E. Explain 2 methods of asexual reproduction and 3 methods sexual and name organisms that use each
method.
2. Relate the adaptability of organisms in an environment to their inherited traits and structures.
A. Give at least two examples of structural or behavioral adaptations that one organism has to help it in food
getting, movement and protection.
Name of organism? ______________________________
Food Getting
1.
2.
Protection
1.
2.
Movement
1.
2.
B. Provide at least two examples of organisms with traits that may provide an advantage for survival in one
environment but not other environments.
C. Describe how the following structures or organs could help an organism be successful in its environment.
A Birds Hollow Bones
Hollow hair of some animals
White fur on a polar bear
Sharp teeth of a wild feline or canine
Dense root structure of plants
Fish Fins
D. Complete the chart for each of the following terms that each has something to do with changes in genetic
traits in living things.
Term
Adaptation
Hybridization
Mimicry
Camouflage
Definition
Example
Non Example
Picture
Natural
Selection
Selective
Breeding
Mutation