A group of similar organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.

When natural selection causes new species to form.

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

A feature that organisms have that helps them live in a particular place and survive.

The evolution of new species

Combined science

The fossil record provides evidence for evolution

Common ancestors and transitional species

Selective breeding and human food security

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.

This unit explores evidence for evolution, including fossils and antibiotic resistance. It covers selective breeding, Darwin and Wallace’s contributions to natural selection, and evolution as changes in inherited traits over time. It also examines how scientific theories evolve over time.

Fossil evidence, selective breeding and explaining evolution

True or false? The theory of evolution by natural selection suggests that all modern species evolved from earlier species.

When natural selection causes a new species to form we say {{}} has taken place?

Some tortoises stretched up to get food and stretched their shells.

The shape of tortoises’ shells has no relationship to the food they eat.

They were more likely to survive as they could reach more food.

Some tortoises stretched up to get food and passed this onto their offspring.

Which of the following is why some Galápagos tortoises have saddle-shaped shells?

True or false? DNA can be used to help establish relationships between organisms.

Populations of the same species become geographically separated.

The populations, unable to mate with each other, become reproductively isolated.

Different conditions in areas cause different traits to become more common.

Populations are so different from each other they can no longer interbreed.

Put these in order to show the process of speciation.

Which of the following is **not** a geographical barrier that mean species can become isolated?

Which of the following is **not** a stage of natural selection?

What is the process by which evolution takes place?

What evidence can be used to look at how species have changed overtime?

Similar organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.

 Features organisms have that helps them survive.

Organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely survive.

Variation - individuals of a species have different traits. 

Adaptations - features that organisms have that help them survive.

Competition - adaptations allow them to compete successfully.

Reproduction - more likely to have offspring.

Inheritance - likely to pass on the advantageous traits to their offspring. 

Put these steps in order to show how natural selection takes place.

The evolution of new species

Lesson outcome