Adaptations and Mutations Genetic Success Adaptations and Mutations

Natural Selection Adaptation Mutation Mutagen Cancer Carcinogen OUTCOME QUESTION(S): S1-1-08: What are some ways plants and animals improve their chance to reproduce? S1-1-15: How can lifestyle choices affect your genetics and development? Vocabulary & Concepts  Natural Selection Adaptation Mutation Mutagen Cancer Carcinogen

Natural selection is the gradual process of traits becoming more common in a population because the traits may improve reproductive success of organisms in an environment. (It is a key mechanism of evolution) Luck and timing has something to do with it too…

Think of traits that have evolved to help an organism (including humans) survive its environment and reproduce.

disadvantage : no offspring Anything that gives you an advantage will help you pass that positive trait on to offspring disadvantage : no offspring

“Only The Strong Survive” Adaptation: a naturally selected trait that enhances reproductive success. Can be physical or behavioural How would big tail feathers make him more successful? How would they make him less successful?

Examples of Adaptations Behavioural caring for young mating calls dances fighting Physical colours / camouflage size / shape pheromones multiple offspring Those best able to modify their behavior or those with positive alleles that improve their survival and reproductive success pass on these traits to future offspring

Mutation: A mistake or error resulting in an incorrect DNA sequence with parts lost, changed or mixed. Gene mutation: change in an individual gene or segment Chromosomal mutation: changes in total number present Common Gene Mutations

Natural causes of mutation: Spontaneous copying or separation error Aging Obesity and poor diet Environmental causes of mutation: Exposure to chemicals/toxins called mutagens ~ pollution, pesticides, tobacco, alcohol, food additives… Exposure to ionizing radiation (UV, X-rays) Infection by some viruses Gamete mutation: can be passed on Somatic (body cell) mutation: not passed on

Somatic cells mutate once every 3 billion reproductions Genetic mutations are common but very rarely are they serious mutations: Usually recessive and masked by dominant allele Usually insignificant in the effect on the body Somatic cells mutate once every 3 billion reproductions

Gene and/or Chromosomal Disorders Down Syndrome Heart Disease Turner’s Syndrome Diabetes Huntington's Disease Cancer Cystic Fibrosis Tourette Syndrome Sickle-cell Anemia Lupus Some develop from multiple mutations and environmental causes making them difficult to study and treat

Cancer A mutation that affects cell division: causing spontaneous, uncontrolled division. May involve inherited gene mutations Caused by exposure to environmental mutagens mutagen that triggers cancer - carcinogen A normal cell has “detectors” that tell it when to stop replicating or when it is somewhere it should not be

Quickly dividing mutated cells create a cancerous tumour. Genes controlling cell division are particularly susceptible to mutations. Quickly dividing mutated cells create a cancerous tumour.

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS? S1-1-08: What are some ways plants and animals improve their chance to reproduce? S1-1-15: How can lifestyle choices affect your genetics and development? Vocabulary & Concepts  Natural Selection Adaptation Mutation Mutagen Cancer Carcinogen