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Genetics and Variation Refresher

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Genetics and Variation Refresher

Complete each question. Use the information in the question to support your explanations.

Key Ideas and Vocabulary

Genes play a role in inheritance. Inherited characteristics are passed from parents to offspring. Acquired characteristics develop during an organism’s life. Variation describes differences between individuals of the same species. Characteristics can be influenced by genes, the environment, or both.

1.Match each genetics term to its meaning.

Gene
Inherited characteristic
Acquired characteristic
Variation
Environment
Species

A feature passed from parents to offspring
Differences between individuals of the same species
A feature that develops during an organism’s life
A section of DNA containing instructions
External conditions that can affect an organism
A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring

2.Which option best describes a gene?

A section of DNA that contains instructions
A change caused only by an organism’s experiences
A group of different species living together
A visible difference between two habitats

3.Complete the sentence: A gene is a section of .

Classify and Explain

For each example, identify it as inherited, acquired, or variation. For variation, the example must compare individuals of the same species.

4.A person develops a scar while healing from a cut. Classify this characteristic.

5.Several members of one rabbit species have different coat colours. What does this example demonstrate?

6.A child has a natural eye colour similar to that of a biological parent. Classify the characteristic.

7.A teenager practises guitar and gradually learns to play a new song. Classify the ability to play the song.

8.Plants of the same species have different heights and leaf sizes. What biological idea does this comparison show?

9.Explain why an individual’s height may be influenced by both inherited factors and the environment. Include one relevant example of each influence.

10.Give one example of an inherited characteristic and one example of an acquired characteristic. Identify each one clearly.

11.Two bean plants from the same species are different heights. Plant A grew in nutrient-rich soil with regular water. Plant B grew in poor soil and received little water. Explain why their different heights may not be caused only by inherited differences.