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

Scientists use models as simpler representations of complex things and ideas.

An idea based on observations about how something works.

A scientific prediction is a testable statement about a possible outcome of an experiment.

A model of natural selection

Science

Fossils show that species change over time

Understanding time scales

Adaptations

Competition

Heritable variation

Natural selection

Evolution

Pupils will learn that the fossil record provides evidence of evolution from common ancestors through transitional species to modern species, and that the theory of evolution by natural selection can be used to explain phenotypic changes in populations of species over generations.

Pupils learned that variation (differences in the features of individuals of the same species) can be caused by environmental and genetic factors.

This unit explores variation within and between species, competition, and natural selection. It focuses on asking questions, making predictions, planning scientific enquiries, and testing hypotheses. It also covers analysing results, explaining findings, and identifying new questions that arise.

Adaptations, competition, natural selection and evolution

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

In the model of natural selection, what do the cocktail sticks represent?

In the model of natural selection, what do the students picking up the cocktail sticks represent?

There is variation in colour between the individual cocktail sticks. The green cocktail sticks are better {{}} to stay hidden from predators in the grass.

Because they are better camouflaged against the grass, the green cocktail sticks have an {{}} in the competition to hide from the predators.

Jacob: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the grass will be white.”

Jun: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the grass will be green.”

Sofia: “There will be equal numbers of each colour left on the grass.”

Whose prediction is most likely to come true after several rounds of the natural selection model experiment?

Jacob: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the concrete will be white.”

Jun: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the concrete will be green.”

Sofia: “There’ll be roughly equal numbers of each colour left on the concrete.”

The natural selection model experiment is played on grey concrete instead of green grass. Whose prediction is most likely to come true after several rounds of the experiment?

Individuals with advantageous characteristics are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to a process called natural {{}}.

There are differences between these two individuals of the same species of peppered moth. Which word do we use in science for these differences?

Which moth has an advantage in the competition to hide from predators?

neither moth is likely to survive to reproduce

the two moths are equally likely to survive to reproduce

Which moth is the most likely to survive to reproduce?

the genes for both types of colouration will be equally common

The genes for which type of colouration are most likely to become more common in later generations of the moths?

the light-coloured moths are now better camouflaged, so have an advantage

their advantage will help them in the competition to hide from predators

they are more likely to survive and reproduce

this means they can pass on the genes for light-colouration to their offspring

over generations light-coloured moths will become more common in the population

Most of the trees in the moths’ habitat change to have light-coloured bark. Put the statements in order, to explain how this could cause the population of moths to change.

A model of natural selection

Lesson outcome

Content guidance