Module 8
1. Module 8
1.8. Lesson 2
Module 8—Populations, Individuals and Gene Pools
Lesson 2—Causes of Change in the Gene Pool
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Get Focused
The human population living on the Canadian prairies thousands of years ago was very different from the human population living on the prairies today. The Aboriginal populations that lived in those times were genetically adapted to an extreme hunter-gatherer existence that meant they could survive in some of the world’s harshest conditions. Their genes provided them with physical adaptations to deal with their environment. Their genes also played a part in the development of traditional knowledge and skills and the social cohesion necessary for group support and defence. In this harshly competitive environment, those without the alleles needed for survival did not live to pass on their genes.
Today, a similar snapshot of a Canadian prairie population would look quite different for obvious reasons. Human technology and immigration from all over the world have played their parts in changing the face of the population.
The gene pools of all natural populations change over time, regardless of whether the population is animal, plant, fungal, or microbial. Gene pool change (microevolution) shows adaptation—a positive thing when you consider that the alternative is extinction.
You will investigate the following focusing question:
- What factors cause changes in the diversity of gene pool composition?
Module 8: Lesson 2 Assignment
Download a copy of the Module 8: Lesson 2 Assignment to your computer now. You will receive further instructions on how to complete this assignment later in the lesson.
You must decide what to do with the questions that are not marked by the teacher.
Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all of the questions and place those answers in your course folder.
Remember that you also have the option of trying additional questions from the textbook for further practice. Consult with your teacher for the answers to these questions. The Key will also provide you with many Diploma Exam style multiple-choice, numerical-response, and written-response questions that will be an excellent review of the module. Practising your responses to these types of questions is good preparation for the Diploma Exam.