| A | B |
|---|
| allele | a different form of a gene |
| dominant | an allele whose trait always shows up in the organism when the allele is present; the stronger allele |
| genes | segments of chromosomes made of DNA that control traits |
| genetic diversity | the differences in genes between members of a population (or members of the same species, if that sounds better.) |
| genotype | an organism's genetic makeup |
| hybrid/heterozygous | having two different alleles for a trait |
| phenotype | the physical appearance of an organism |
| Punnett square | chart used to predict possible gene combinations of offspring |
| purebred/homozygous | having two identical alleles for a trait |
| recessive | the weaker allele that is masked/hidden by the stronger allele |
| selective breeding | organisms with desired traits are chosen to mate to produce offspring with the same desired traits |
| trait | a characteristic that an organism can pass on to its offspring through its genes |
| adaptation | a characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment and reproduce |
| natural selection | process by which individuals best adapted for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce |
| variations | differences in traits within a species |
| binomial nomenclature | two-part naming system invented by Carolus Linnaeus |
| classify | grouping objects based on similarities |
| dichotomous key /taxonomic key | a series of paired statements that use physical characteristics to identify different organisms |
| genus | the 1st part of the scientific name; always capitalized |
| levels of classification | taxonomic groups; domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species |
| species | the 2nd part of the scientific name; always lowercase; organisms that can mate and produce fertile offspring |
| taxonomy | the study of how objects are classified |
| animal | an organism that is a heterotroph, eukaryote, and multicellular |
| archaebacteria | an organism that is a unicellular prokaryote that lives in extreme environments |
| eubacteria | an organism that is a unicellular prokaryote that does not live in extreme environments |
| fungi | an organism that is a heterotroph, eukaryote, mostly multicellular and plays the role of decomposer |
| plant | an organism that is an autotroph, eukaryote, and multicellular |
| protist | an organism that is a eukaryote, either autotroph or heterotroph, and mostly unicellular |
