This definitions covers Key Definitions within Evolution for GCSE Biology. Theory of evolution, natural selection, and evidence for evolution It is section 8 of 15 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 8 of 15
Practice
29 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
Key Definitions
Evolution: A change in the inherited characteristics of a population over many generations, driven by natural selection acting on genetic variation.
Natural selection: The process by which individuals with advantageous characteristics are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on the alleles for those characteristics to offspring.
Survival of the fittest: A phrase describing natural selection — "fittest" means best adapted to the environment, not necessarily strongest or largest.
Adaptation: A feature of an organism that increases its chances of survival and reproduction in its particular environment.
Speciation: The formation of a new species when two populations of the same species become reproductively isolated, diverge genetically, and can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Extinction: The permanent loss of a species when all its members die and no individuals remain to reproduce.
Darwin: Charles Darwin (1809–1882) — the scientist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection after his voyage on HMS Beagle. Published On the Origin of Species in 1859.
Lamarck: Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829) — proposed an earlier, incorrect theory that organisms pass on characteristics acquired during their lifetime (e.g., a giraffe stretches its neck and its offspring are born with longer necks). Now disproved.
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Practice Questions for Evolution
What is evolution?
Describe three pieces of evidence that support Darwin's theory of evolution.
Quick Recall Flashcards
What did Charles Darwin propose and when?
In 1859, Darwin published 'On the Origin of Species', proposing that all species evolve through natural selection. Individuals with advantageous characteristics are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to offspring.
What is evolution?
The gradual change in the inherited characteristics of a population over many generations through the process of natural selection. It can lead to new species forming over very long time periods.
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