1. Males are represented by a square, and females by a circle.
Explain what a pedigree chart is and what is being shown in the pedigree
Include: male, female, carrier, autosomal, recessive
Pedigree charts are used to trace the inheritance of a genetic trait through a family.
Males are represented by a square, and females by a circle.
Carrier = doesn’t exhibit the trait, but could pass it on (they are heterozygous)
Autosomal = any trait found on chromosome pairs 1-22, not the sex chromosomes (pair 23)
Recessive = this trait can be masked by the dominant allele for the trait

2. Transcription is when the DNA code is converted into mRNA codons.
Describe the processes of transcription and translation
Include: transcription, translation, mRNA, DNA, tRNA, codon, anti-codon, amino acid, polypeptide, indicate where each process takes place and the end product of each process
Transcription is when the DNA code is converted into mRNA codons.
Occurs in the nucleus.
Translation is when the mRNA codons are decoded into amino acids, which bond together to form a polypeptide (protein).
Occurs at the ribosome out in the cytoplasm.
tRNA bring the amino acids (the tRNA anticodons match to the mRNA codons)

3. Prophase = nucleus breaks down; chromosomes appear
What is the purpose of mitosis, label the phases, and explain them
Include: metaphase, prophase, anaphase, telophase, interphase, cytokinesis, and indicate what organisms / cells reproduce in this manner and the genetic outcome
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division in eukaryotic body cells, which results in two genetically identical cells.
Prophase = nucleus breaks down; chromosomes appear
Metaphase = chromosomes line up in the middle
Anaphase = chromosomes split in half and move to opposite ends
Telophase = two new nuclei start to form; cytokinesis starts (the division of the cytoplasm)
Interphase is the time in the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing and grows.

4. Heterozygous = mix of alleles, like Bb
Describe the purpose of a Punnett square and the outcome
Include: genotype, phenotype, heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, and recessive
A Punnett Square is used to show the genetic possibilities of offspring.
A genotype (represented by letters – alleles) codes for a phenotype (the physical expression of the trait).
Heterozygous = mix of alleles, like Bb
Homozygous = the same alleles, like BB or bb

5. Anatomy is used to show the evolution (change) of an organism.
Explain how comparative anatomy provides evidences of evolution
Include: evolution, homologous structures, analogous structures, and vestigial structures
Anatomy is used to show the evolution (change) of an organism.
Comparative Anatomy = the more similarities the closer the evolutionary relationship
Homologous structures are a result of similar structural origin (can be used to show evolutionary relationship)
Analogous structures are a result of similar function (does not show evolutionary relationship)
Vestigial structures are structures that are no longer used by the modern day organism

6. Herbivores eat only producers (plants). Carnivores eat only animals.
Explain how energy flows within the food web
Include: producer/autotroph, consumer/heterotroph, herbivore, carnivore, and scavenger
Energy in a food web begins with the producers/autotroph (organisms that create their food), and then will be passed on to each consumer/heterotroph level (organisms that will need to consume others to obtain their energy).
Herbivores eat only producers (plants).
Carnivores eat only animals.
Scavengers eat dead/dying animals.

7. Explain what happens to energy as it goes up the food chain
Explain what happens to energy as it goes up the food chain. Label the trophic levels.
Include: trophic level, producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, tertiary consumer
Only 10% of the energy available at each trophic level (feeding level) gets passed on to the next. The remaining energy is primarily lost as heat.
Producers  Primary Consumers  Secondary Consumers  Tertiary Consumer

8. Describe Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
Include: survival of the fittest, natural selection, adaptation, genetic variation
Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection states that organisms with the best adaptations (best physical traits) survive in their environment, reproduce, and pass on their traits.
Survival of the Fittest = organisms that are able to survive and reproduce
Genetic Variation = varieties in traits allows for organisms to survive changes

9. Describe the process of succession.
Include: primary succession, secondary succession, pioneer community, climax community
Succession is the predictable set of changes that occurs in an environment.
Primary succession occurs in an environment where only rock is left (ex: after a volcanic eruption). Secondary succession occurs in an environment where there is still dirt, but no organisms left (ex: after a wildfire).
Pioneer communities start succession (these plants are fast growing) and climax communities represent the final stages of succession – like a forest.