A general explanation that applies to many             situations.

The process in which the characteristics of species change over many generations, sometimes becoming new species.

Organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass on their genes to their offspring.

The process in which humans choose organisms with desirable traits and breed them in order to make offspring with these desirable traits. Also known as selective breeding.

The chemical molecule made of nucleotides, which contains the genetic code for making proteins in all living organisms.

Darwin, Wallace and the theory of evolution by natural selection

Biology

Pupils will learn about random genetic mutation as a source of heritable variation, and that evolution occurs through the natural selection of genetic variants linked to advantageous phenotypes that are best suited to the environment.

Pupils learned that (phenotypic) variation between individuals of the same species means some individuals are better adapted to compete, which can lead to natural selection and cause the heritable characteristics of a species to change (evolve) over generations.

Fossil evidence, selective breeding and explaining evolution

Theories have a lot of supporting evidence.

Theories are just ideas so they are not widely accepted.

An example of a theory is natural selection.

Which of the following statements are true about theories?

Better adapted organisms are more likely to survive and reproduce.

The characteristics of species change over many generations. 

Humans choose organisms with desirable traits and breed them together.

Variation - due to chance individuals of a species have different traits.

Advantage - some traits can give individuals an advantage. 

Competition - this advantage allows them to compete successfully.

Survival - this makes them more likely to survive. 

Reproduction - and more likely to have offspring.

Inheritance - and more likely to pass on the traits to their offspring. 

Starting with variation, put the steps of natural selection in the correct order.

Which scientist studied the howler monkey and also noticed how different species were separated by different geographical boundaries like rivers or mountain ranges?

Darwin hadn't yet written his book 'On the Origin of Species'.

How species pass on their traits to their offspring was not known.

Wallace and Darwin disagreed on the idea of natural selection.

Why was the theory of evolution by natural selection not accepted when it was first proposed?

proposed that traits are passed from parent to offspring.

Match the scientist to their contribution to the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Andeep: "A molecule made from three strands that are stored in the nucleus."

Sam: "A molecule that is made of repeating units that carries the genetic code."

Sofia: "A long molecule that is made of sugars that carries genes."

Izzy: "A big molecule made of sugars and protein that carries genes."

It is found in the cytoplasm and stored as proteins.

It is found in the nucleus and stored as proteins.

It is found in the nucleus and stored as chromosomes.

It is found in the cytoplasm and stored as chromosomes.

Where is DNA found in plant, animal and fungi cells and how is it stored? 

{{}} is the process in which the characteristics of species change over many generations, sometimes becoming new species.

True or false? Only animals can produce fossils.

Spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss.

Broad leaves to maximise sunlight absorption for photosynthesis.

Long roots help to get water deep from underground.

A thick green stem for photosynthesis to take place instead of in the leaves.

Which features might a plant living on a rainforest floor have?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Darwin, Wallace and the theory of evolution by natural selection

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.