Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
This standard asks you to show you understand how genetic variation happens in populations and how that variation changes over time. You need to know where new genetic differences come from (like through mutations and how genes combine during reproduction) and what causes some versions of genes to become more or less common in a population (like natural selection or random events).
You identify correct gametes and complete Punnett squares accurately, define key terms like crossing over and natural selection, and describe what linked genes, genetic drift, and allele frequency mean.
You explain the processes of crossing over and segregation with specific details about how alleles are reshuffled, explain how natural selection changes allele frequency by affecting beneficial or non-beneficial traits, and explain effects of genetic drift on small populations with reasons.
You discuss ratios and patterns in relation to linked versus unlinked genes, explain the specific frequency of crossing over outcomes, link gamete combinations to offspring ratios, and use test cross reasoning to discuss uncertainty in genetic outcomes.
Standards typically taken alongside or after this one. Same subject, grouped by level.