This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser within Evolution for GCSE Biology. Theory of evolution, natural selection, and evidence for evolution It is section 12 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 12 of 13
Practice
26 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser
Key Terms
- Evolution — change in inherited characteristics over generations
- Natural selection — environment favours best-adapted individuals
- Variation — differences between individuals in a population
- Adaptation — feature increasing survival/reproduction
- Speciation — formation of a new species
- Extinction — permanent loss of a species
- Mutation — random change in DNA sequence
- Allele frequency — proportion of a particular allele in a population
VISA Steps (Natural Selection)
- Variation — individuals differ due to mutations and sexual reproduction
- Inheritance — alleles passed from parent to offspring
- Selection — environment favours certain characteristics
- Accumulation — advantageous allele increases in frequency over time
Key Scientists
- Darwin — evolution by natural selection (1859), HMS Beagle
- Wallace — independently proposed same theory
- Lamarck — inheritance of acquired characteristics (incorrect)
Evidence for Evolution
- Fossil record — gradual change over time
- Antibiotic resistance — evolution observed directly
- DNA similarity — related species share more DNA
- Homologous structures — similar bone arrangements