AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Environmental factors such as diet, 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.

Detailed explanation-2: -Environmental factors, as related to genetics, refers to exposures to substances (such as pesticides or industrial waste) where we live or work, behaviors (such as smoking or poor diet) that can increase an individual’s risk of disease or stressful situations (such as racism).

Detailed explanation-3: -regulation of gene expression by proteins binding to DNA regulatory elements. alternative mRNA splicing. regulation of gene expression through chromatin accessibility.

Detailed explanation-4: -A rather extreme example of the influence of environment on gene expression is seen in sea turtles. The temperature experienced by sea turtle eggs determines the sex of the embryo inside. This, in turn, determines the sex ratio of the hatchlings.