Traits and Adaptations

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What is an inherited trait?

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A characteristic that is passed down from parents to offspring through genes.

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What is an acquired trait?

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A characteristic that is gained or learned during an organism's life, not passed down genetically.

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What is natural selection?

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The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What are environmental pressures?

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Factors in the environment that influence the survival and reproduction of organisms, such as climate, food availability, and predators.

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What is the role of mutations in evolution?

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Mutations are changes in DNA that can introduce new traits into a population, which may be beneficial, harmful, or neutral.

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What is an adaptation?

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A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

Give an example of a trait that is beneficial in a cold environment.

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White fur helps animals blend in with snow, providing camouflage from predators.

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What is selective breeding?

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The process by which humans breed plants or animals for specific traits.

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What is artificial selection?

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A form of selection where humans actively choose which traits should be passed on to the next generation.

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How does climate affect natural selection?

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Climate can create pressures that favor certain traits, leading to changes in populations over time.