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Intro to Physical Anthropology
Chapter 4: Heredity and Evolution
26
Anthropology
Undergraduate 1
02/16/2006

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Term
hybrids
Definition
offspring of individuals that differ with regard to certain traits or certain aspects of genetic makeup; heterozygotes.
Term
principle of segregation
Definition
genes (alleles) occur in pairs (because chromosomes occur in pairs). during gamete production, the members of each gene pair separate, so that each gamete contains one member of each pair. during fertilization, the full number of chromosomes is restored, and members of gene or allele pairs are reunited.
Term
recessive
Definition
describing a trait that is not expressed in heterozygotes; also refers to the allele that governs the trait. for a recessive allele to be expressed, there must be two copies of the allele (i.e., the individual must be homozygous).
Term
dominant
Definition
describing a trait governed by an allele that can be expressed in the presence of another, different allele (i.e. in heterozygotes). dominant alleles prevent the expression of recessive alleles in heterozygotes. (this is the definition of complete dominance.)
Term
locus
Definition
(pl., loci) (lo'-kus, lo-sigh') the position on a chromosome where a given gene occurs. the term is sometimes used interchangeably with gene, but this usage is technically incorrect.
Term
alleles
Definition
alternate forms of a gene. alleles occur at the same locus on homologous chromosomes and thus govern the same trait. however, because they are slightly different, their action may result in different expressions of the trait. the term is sometimes used synonymously with gene.
Term
homozygous
Definition
having the same allele at the same locus on both members of a chromosome pair.
Term
heterozygous
Definition
having different alleles at the same locus on members of a chromosome pair.
Term
genotype
Definition
the genetic makeup of an individual. genotype can refer to an organism's entire genetic makeup or the alleles at a particular locus.
Term
phenotypes
Definition
the observable or detectable physical characteristics of an organism; the detectable expressions of genotypes.
Term
principle of independent assortment
Definition
the distribution of one pair of alleles into gametes doesn't influence the distribution of another pair. the genes controlling different traits are inherited independently of one another.
Term
random assortment
Definition
the chance distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells during meiosis. there is nothing to dictate which member of a chromosome pair moves to which end of a dividing cell. along with recombination, a source of variation resulting from meiosis.
Term
Mendelian traits
Definition
characteristics that are influenced by alleles at only one genetic locus. examples include many blood types, such as ABO. many genetic disorders, including sickle-cell anemia and Tay-Sachs disease, are also Mendelian traits.
Term
antigens
Definition
large molecules found on the surface of cells. several different loci govern various antigens on red and white blood cells.
Term
codominance
Definition
the expression of two alleles in heterozygotes. in this situation, neither allele is dominant or recessive; thus, both influence the phenotype.
Term
polygenic
Definition
referring to traits that are influenced by genes at two or more loci. examples of such traits are stature, skin color, and eye color. many polygenic traits are also influenced by environmental factors.
Term
varation (genetic)
Definition
inherited differences among individuals; the basis of all evolutionary change.
Term
evolution
Definition
(modern genetic definition) a change in the frequency of alleles from one generation to the next.
Term
allele frequency
Definition
in a population, the percentage of all the alleles at a locus accounted for by one specific allele.
Term
population
Definition
within a species, a community of individuals where mates are usually found.
Term
microevolution
Definition
small changes occuring within species, such as a change in allele frequencies.
Term
macroevolution
Definition
changes produced only after many generations, such as the appearance of a new species.
Term
gene flow
Definition
exchange of genes between populations
Term
genetic drift
Definition
evolutionary changes- that is, changes in allele frequencies- produced by random factors. genetic drift is a result of small population size.
Term
founder effect
Definition
a type of genetic drift in which allele frequencies are altered in small populations that are taken from, or are remnants of, larger populations.
Term
gene pool
Definition
the total complement of genes shared by the reproductive members of a population.
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