Evolution by Natural Selection GCSE

Describe what is meant by evolution.

Explain how evolution takes place through natural selection

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Darwin's Natural Selection (kayscience.com)

Evolution is where a species changes over a period of time.

The 6 key words to use when describing evolution are:

● Mutation

●Genetic variation

●Advantage

●Survive

●Pass on genes

●Changes over time

We will practice an example now.

There was a mutation in the DNA of a giraffe which caused a genetic variation and meant the giraffe had a long neck.

This gave the giraffe an advantage as it had more food available from taller trees so it survived and passed its genes to the next generation.

This lead to a change over time which is evolution. 

There was a mutation in the DNA of a anteater which caused a genetic variation and meant the anteater had a longer tongue. This gave the anteater an advantage as it could reach into the anthills and collect more food. This helped the anteater to survive and pass on its genes to the next generation. This lead to a change over time, which is evolution.