Biology Flashcards: Explain Environmental Influences On Traits

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Explain Environmental Influences On Traits, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for Biology.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the key difference between acclimation and adaptation?

Answer: Acclimation is within a lifetime; adaptation evolves across generations. Acclimation occurs quickly; adaptation takes generations.

Flashcard 2: Identify the correct conclusion: two plants with the same genotype differ in height in sun vs shade.

Answer: Environment influenced phenotype (phenotypic plasticity). Same genotype responds differently to light conditions.

Flashcard 3: Which teratogen is strongly associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders?

Answer: Alcohol (ethanol). Crosses placenta and damages developing brain tissue.

Flashcard 4: Which environmental factor can cause lung disease and alter health-related traits over time?

Answer: Tobacco smoke exposure. Toxic chemicals damage lung tissue over time.

Flashcard 5: What is phenotypic plasticity?

Answer: Ability of one genotype to produce different phenotypes. Same genes can create different traits in different conditions.

Flashcard 6: What hormone primarily stimulates red blood cell production in response to low oxygen?

Answer: Erythropoietin (EPO). Kidney hormone that stimulates blood cell production.

Flashcard 7: Which option is an example of an environmental effect during early development with lasting impact?

Answer: Prenatal alcohol exposure affecting brain development. Developmental exposure creates permanent changes.

Flashcard 8: Which infectious agent in pregnancy can cause congenital defects and hearing loss?

Answer: Rubella virus. Viral infection during pregnancy affects development.

Flashcard 9: Which environmental factor can increase mutation rate and thereby affect traits?

Answer: Radiation (e.g., UV or ionizing radiation). High-energy radiation damages DNA structure directly.

Flashcard 10: Which environmental factor is most directly linked to tanning in humans?

Answer: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. UV light triggers melanin production as protection.

Flashcard 11: Which option best supports a genotype-by-environment interaction in two genotypes across two diets?

Answer: The diet effect differs between genotypes (nonparallel responses). Interaction occurs when genotypes respond differently.

Flashcard 12: Which statement is correct: acquired characteristics are inherited or not inherited?

Answer: Not inherited (they do not change DNA sequence in gametes). Only changes in gamete DNA are passed to offspring.

Flashcard 13: What is the definition of gene expression?

Answer: Use of genetic information to make RNA and proteins. Process of turning genes into functional products.

Flashcard 14: What is the correct definition of a selective pressure?

Answer: An environmental factor that affects survival or reproduction. Environmental conditions that influence evolutionary fitness.

Flashcard 15: What is the definition of an acquired characteristic?

Answer: A trait change due to environment, not inherited genetically. Traits gained during life, not passed to offspring.

Flashcard 16: What is the definition of a teratogen?

Answer: An environmental agent that disrupts embryonic development. Chemical or physical factor causing birth defects.

Flashcard 17: Which option is an example of an environmental effect during early development with lasting impact?

Answer: Prenatal alcohol exposure affecting brain development. Developmental exposure creates permanent changes.

Flashcard 18: Identify the best interpretation: identical twins differ in asthma severity in different cities.

Answer: Environmental exposure differences affected phenotype. Different environments caused phenotypic variation.

Flashcard 19: Which option is an example of environment affecting phenotype without changing genotype?

Answer: Skin tanning after UV exposure. Phenotypic response without genetic change.

Flashcard 20: What is the definition of an acquired characteristic?

Answer: A trait change due to environment, not inherited genetically. Traits gained during life, not passed to offspring.

Flashcard 21: Which concept best explains why a single genotype may yield different phenotypes in different environments?

Answer: Phenotypic plasticity. Flexible response of genotype to environmental variation.

Flashcard 22: Choose the correct classification: a scar from injury is genetic, environmental, or both?

Answer: Environmental (acquired characteristic). Physical injury creates non-genetic trait change.

Flashcard 23: Which pigment allows plants to detect day length for photoperiod responses?

Answer: Phytochrome. Light-sensitive protein that measures day length.

Flashcard 24: What pigment increases in human skin in response to UV exposure?

Answer: Melanin. Dark pigment that protects skin from UV damage.

Flashcard 25: Which nutrient deficiency is most directly linked to reduced hemoglobin production?

Answer: Iron deficiency. Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis.

Flashcard 26: What is acclimation?

Answer: Reversible phenotypic adjustment to environmental change. Short-term adjustment to environmental changes.

Flashcard 27: Which environmental factor during development can reduce adult height even with tall-parent genes?

Answer: Poor nutrition (especially protein and calories). Malnutrition limits growth despite genetic potential.

Flashcard 28: Which environmental factor during development can reduce adult height even with tall-parent genes?

Answer: Poor nutrition (especially protein and calories). Malnutrition limits growth despite genetic potential.

Flashcard 29: Which term describes traits strongly influenced by environment, making them vary continuously?

Answer: Quantitative traits. Continuous variation due to environmental sensitivity.

Flashcard 30: Which epigenetic change commonly reduces gene expression by tightening DNA packing?

Answer: DNA methylation. Chemical modification that silences gene transcription.

Flashcard 31: What is epigenetics?

Answer: Heritable changes in gene expression without DNA sequence change. Gene activity changes without altering DNA sequence.

Flashcard 32: Which human trait is a classic example of multifactorial inheritance with environmental effects?

Answer: Body mass (weight) or height. Many genes and nutrition both influence these traits.

Flashcard 33: What is the correct definition of a selective pressure?

Answer: An environmental factor that affects survival or reproduction. Environmental conditions that influence evolutionary fitness.

Flashcard 34: Which option is an example of environment affecting phenotype without changing genotype?

Answer: Skin tanning after UV exposure. Phenotypic response without genetic change.

Flashcard 35: Which environmental factor can cause lung disease and alter health-related traits over time?

Answer: Tobacco smoke exposure. Toxic chemicals damage lung tissue over time.

Flashcard 36: Which environmental factor most directly influences the severity of lactose intolerance symptoms?

Answer: Amount of lactose consumed (diet). Symptom severity depends on dietary intake.

Flashcard 37: What is the definition of a teratogen?

Answer: An environmental agent that disrupts embryonic development. Chemical or physical factor causing birth defects.

Flashcard 38: Which environmental condition can trigger increased red blood cell production in humans?

Answer: Low oxygen at high altitude. Body compensates for reduced oxygen availability.

Flashcard 39: Which option best supports a genotype-by-environment interaction in two genotypes across two diets?

Answer: The diet effect differs between genotypes (nonparallel responses). Interaction occurs when genotypes respond differently.

Flashcard 40: What is the definition of gene expression?

Answer: Use of genetic information to make RNA and proteins. Process of turning genes into functional products.

Flashcard 41: What term describes the observable characteristics of an organism?

Answer: Phenotype. The visible or measurable traits of an organism.

Flashcard 42: What pigment increases in human skin in response to UV exposure?

Answer: Melanin. Dark pigment that protects skin from UV damage.

Flashcard 43: Identify the correct term for reduced growth due to long-term nutrient shortage.

Answer: Stunting. Chronic malnutrition impairs normal growth processes.

Flashcard 44: Which environmental factor most directly increases muscle size in a trained person?

Answer: Exercise (mechanical load and training). Resistance training stimulates muscle protein synthesis.

Flashcard 45: Which environmental factor is most directly linked to tanning in humans?

Answer: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. UV light triggers melanin production as protection.

Flashcard 46: What is the primary reason identical twins can show different phenotypes?

Answer: Different environments and epigenetic differences. Environment and gene regulation vary even with same DNA.

Flashcard 47: Which option best describes why PKU requires a special diet despite being genetic?

Answer: Dietary phenylalanine level affects symptom development. Restricting substrate prevents toxic metabolite buildup.

Flashcard 48: What is the definition of an environmental influence on a trait?

Answer: A non-genetic factor that affects phenotype expression. External conditions that modify how genes are expressed.

Flashcard 49: What is the definition of an environmental influence on a trait?

Answer: A non-genetic factor that affects phenotype expression. External conditions that modify how genes are expressed.

Flashcard 50: What is the name of the trait pattern where many genes and environment both influence outcome?

Answer: Multifactorial trait. Multiple genes plus environment create complex patterns.

Flashcard 51: What is photoperiodism?

Answer: Physiological response to day length. Plants use day length to time seasonal responses.

Flashcard 52: What is a reaction norm in the context of environmental effects on traits?

Answer: Pattern of phenotypes a genotype shows across environments. Shows how one genotype varies across environments.

Flashcard 53: Identify the correct term for reduced growth due to long-term nutrient shortage.

Answer: Stunting. Chronic malnutrition impairs normal growth processes.

Flashcard 54: Which environmental factor most directly affects stomatal opening in many plants?

Answer: Water availability (drought) and humidity. Water stress triggers stomatal closure responses.

Flashcard 55: Which option best describes how temperature can affect enzyme-related traits?

Answer: Temperature alters enzyme activity and reaction rates. Heat changes protein shape and metabolic rates.

Flashcard 56: Which human trait is a classic example of multifactorial inheritance with environmental effects?

Answer: Body mass (weight) or height. Many genes and nutrition both influence these traits.

Flashcard 57: Which option best describes how temperature can affect enzyme-related traits?

Answer: Temperature alters enzyme activity and reaction rates. Heat changes protein shape and metabolic rates.

Flashcard 58: Which statement correctly distinguishes natural selection from environmental effects within one lifetime?

Answer: Selection changes allele frequencies; environment changes phenotype expression. Selection acts across generations; environment within lifetime.

Flashcard 59: Identify the correct term: environmental cues changing gene expression without changing DNA sequence.

Answer: Epigenetic regulation. Chemical modifications control gene activity levels.

Flashcard 60: Identify the best interpretation: identical twins differ in asthma severity in different cities.

Answer: Environmental exposure differences affected phenotype. Different environments caused phenotypic variation.

Flashcard 61: Which environmental factor most directly increases muscle size in a trained person?

Answer: Exercise (mechanical load and training). Resistance training stimulates muscle protein synthesis.

Flashcard 62: Which option best describes why PKU requires a special diet despite being genetic?

Answer: Dietary phenylalanine level affects symptom development. Restricting substrate prevents toxic metabolite buildup.

Flashcard 63: What is phenotypic plasticity?

Answer: Ability of one genotype to produce different phenotypes. Same genes can create different traits in different conditions.

Flashcard 64: What term describes the observable characteristics of an organism?

Answer: Phenotype. The visible or measurable traits of an organism.

Flashcard 65: Which nutrient deficiency is most directly linked to reduced hemoglobin production?

Answer: Iron deficiency. Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis.

Flashcard 66: Which statement is correct: acquired characteristics are inherited or not inherited?

Answer: Not inherited (they do not change DNA sequence in gametes). Only changes in gamete DNA are passed to offspring.

Flashcard 67: What is a reaction norm in the context of environmental effects on traits?

Answer: Pattern of phenotypes a genotype shows across environments. Shows how one genotype varies across environments.

Flashcard 68: What is the correct relationship among phenotype, genotype, and environment?

Answer: Phenotype results from genotype interacting with environment. Genes provide potential; environment determines expression.

Flashcard 69: Which pigment allows plants to detect day length for photoperiod responses?

Answer: Phytochrome. Light-sensitive protein that measures day length.

Flashcard 70: Which environmental factor can change plant growth form by altering gene expression patterns?

Answer: Light conditions (intensity and photoperiod). Light quality and duration regulate plant development.

Flashcard 71: What is acclimation?

Answer: Reversible phenotypic adjustment to environmental change. Short-term adjustment to environmental changes.

Flashcard 72: What is the primary reason identical twins can show different phenotypes?

Answer: Different environments and epigenetic differences. Environment and gene regulation vary even with same DNA.

Flashcard 73: Which epigenetic change commonly reduces gene expression by tightening DNA packing?

Answer: DNA methylation. Chemical modification that silences gene transcription.

Flashcard 74: Which teratogen is strongly associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders?

Answer: Alcohol (ethanol). Crosses placenta and damages developing brain tissue.

Flashcard 75: Which environmental factor can change plant growth form by altering gene expression patterns?

Answer: Light conditions (intensity and photoperiod). Light quality and duration regulate plant development.

Flashcard 76: Which environmental condition can trigger increased red blood cell production in humans?

Answer: Low oxygen at high altitude. Body compensates for reduced oxygen availability.

Flashcard 77: Which option best explains why hydrangea flower color can change with soil conditions?

Answer: Soil pH affects pigment chemistry and ion availability. Acidic conditions alter anthocyanin pigment structure.

Flashcard 78: Which term describes traits strongly influenced by environment, making them vary continuously?

Answer: Quantitative traits. Continuous variation due to environmental sensitivity.

Flashcard 79: Which environmental factor most directly influences the severity of lactose intolerance symptoms?

Answer: Amount of lactose consumed (diet). Symptom severity depends on dietary intake.

Flashcard 80: What hormone primarily stimulates red blood cell production in response to low oxygen?

Answer: Erythropoietin (EPO). Kidney hormone that stimulates blood cell production.

Flashcard 81: Identify the correct conclusion: two plants with the same genotype differ in height in sun vs shade.

Answer: Environment influenced phenotype (phenotypic plasticity). Same genotype responds differently to light conditions.

Flashcard 82: Which term describes how different genotypes respond differently to the same environment?

Answer: Genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E). Different genetic variants respond uniquely to conditions.

Flashcard 83: Which environmental factor can increase mutation rate and thereby affect traits?

Answer: Radiation (e.g., UV or ionizing radiation). High-energy radiation damages DNA structure directly.

Flashcard 84: What is epigenetics?

Answer: Heritable changes in gene expression without DNA sequence change. Gene activity changes without altering DNA sequence.

Flashcard 85: What term describes the genetic makeup that can influence traits?

Answer: Genotype. The complete set of genes an organism inherits.

Flashcard 86: Which term describes how different genotypes respond differently to the same environment?

Answer: Genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E). Different genetic variants respond uniquely to conditions.

Flashcard 87: Which environmental factor most directly affects stomatal opening in many plants?

Answer: Water availability (drought) and humidity. Water stress triggers stomatal closure responses.

Flashcard 88: Which concept best explains why a single genotype may yield different phenotypes in different environments?

Answer: Phenotypic plasticity. Flexible response of genotype to environmental variation.

Flashcard 89: Identify the correct term: environmental cues changing gene expression without changing DNA sequence.

Answer: Epigenetic regulation. Chemical modifications control gene activity levels.

Flashcard 90: Choose the correct classification: a scar from injury is genetic, environmental, or both?

Answer: Environmental (acquired characteristic). Physical injury creates non-genetic trait change.

Flashcard 91: What term describes the genetic makeup that can influence traits?

Answer: Genotype. The complete set of genes an organism inherits.

Flashcard 92: What is the correct environmental management for phenylketonuria (PKU) to reduce symptoms?

Answer: Low-phenylalanine diet started early in life. Early intervention prevents irreversible brain damage.

Flashcard 93: What is the correct relationship among phenotype, genotype, and environment?

Answer: Phenotype results from genotype interacting with environment. Genes provide potential; environment determines expression.

Flashcard 94: What is the name of the trait pattern where many genes and environment both influence outcome?

Answer: Multifactorial trait. Multiple genes plus environment create complex patterns.

Flashcard 95: Which option best explains why hydrangea flower color can change with soil conditions?

Answer: Soil pH affects pigment chemistry and ion availability. Acidic conditions alter anthocyanin pigment structure.

Flashcard 96: Which infectious agent in pregnancy can cause congenital defects and hearing loss?

Answer: Rubella virus. Viral infection during pregnancy affects development.

Flashcard 97: What is the correct environmental management for phenylketonuria (PKU) to reduce symptoms?

Answer: Low-phenylalanine diet started early in life. Early intervention prevents irreversible brain damage.

Flashcard 98: What is photoperiodism?

Answer: Physiological response to day length. Plants use day length to time seasonal responses.

Flashcard 99: Which statement correctly distinguishes natural selection from environmental effects within one lifetime?

Answer: Selection changes allele frequencies; environment changes phenotype expression. Selection acts across generations; environment within lifetime.