This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Selective Breeding for GCSE Biology. Artificial selection and selective breeding techniques It is section 9 of 11 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 9 of 11
Practice
28 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Exam Focus
Frequently ExaminedSelective breeding questions are common in AQA Biology Paper 2. These are the highest-value areas to revise:
- Describe the process (3-4 marks): Use the SSBR steps. Always include "over many generations" — this is a marking point in most mark schemes.
- Disadvantages — reduced gene pool (2-3 marks): State that genetic variation is reduced, explain that the whole population may be vulnerable to the same disease, and link this to lack of variety in alleles.
- Comparison with genetic engineering (4-6 marks): This is a classic evaluate question. Have clear points for both sides: speed, precision, ethical concerns, gene pool impact.
- Real-world example questions: You may be given a novel scenario (e.g., breeding a drought-resistant crop). Apply the SSBR process directly to that context — do not give a generic answer.