Fossils are the mineralised remains of once-living organisms, or of traces left behind by organisms.

All the fossils ever found, and their ages, provide a body of evidence called the fossil record.

An extinct species has no living members.

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

The fossil record provides evidence for evolution

Combined science

Common ancestors and transitional species

Selective breeding and human food security

The evolution of new species

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

A species that several other species evolved from. For example, tigers and lions share a common ancestor.

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between different groups of organisms.

A species that shows intermediate characteristics from evolutionary ancestors and modern species.

The process in which humans choose individuals with desirable traits and mate them in order to make offspring with these desirable traits.

Plants grown on a large scale for food or profit.

An animal that has been tamed and is kept as a pet or on a farm.

Animals that are kept on farms for food or work.

A measure of the quantity and quality of food available to support households or whole communities.

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.

Fossil evidence, selective breeding and explaining evolution

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