Environmental Effect on Phenotype

My AP Biology Thoughts

Unit 5 Heredity

Welcome to My AP Biology Thoughts podcast, my name is Nikki Evich and I am your host for episode #103 called Unit 5 Heredity Environmental Effect on Phenotype. Today we will be discussing how the environment can alter phenotypes.

Segment 1: Introduction to Environmental Effect on Phenotype

Phenotype is determined by genotype
Genotype and environment work together to determine phenotype
temperature, oxygen levels, humidity, light cycles, and the presence of mutagens can all impact which of an animal's genes are expressed, which ultimately affects the animal's phenotype
These can turn on and off genes

Segment 2: More About Environmental Effect on Phenotype

Fur color
These rabbits and cats have a mutant allele for the coat color gene that is white
The enzyme encoded by the gene is inactive at temperatures above about 35 degrees
The extremities are cooler than the main body (around 25 degrees), so the fur on these regions is dark.

Segment 3: Connection to the Course

Environmental pressures drive diversity in ecosystems
Phenotypic diversity is caused by not only genetics, but the environment as well
A higher diversity in ecosystems allows populations to be better suited for sudden changes to their ecosystem

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