Vocabulary

2. segments of DNA that determine specific traits or characteristics
4. a group of atoms bonded together that make up substances, including DNA
5. to measure or notice the differences between things
8. to measure or notice the similarities between things
9. the important background information surrounding a situation, word, or event
12. Selection organisms better suited to their environment survive and reproduce, passing on advantageous traits
14. a person or thing that brings about or speeds up a significant change or action
19. a process leading to new species over long periods through natural selection
20. the gradual development of a physical form or idea from something simple to something more complex
22. an organism’s genetic makeup represented with letters for Punnett squares
23. a particular point of view or attitude about something

1. to receive traits or characteristics from one’s parents
3. an organism’s physical appearance
6. one of the two forms of a gene found for each trait in a cell
7. to change something to fit a new use, environment, or purpose
10. characteristics or features that can be passed from parents to offspring
11. the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life
13. having a range of diverse characteristics or a different version of something
15. an allele that masks or overrides the effect of another variant of the same gene
16. having many related or connected parts
17. to examine something very carefully in order to understand it better
18. a series of changes that occur or steps taken to reach a goal
21. a gene that can be masked by a dominant gene