AQA new specification-Evolution by natural selection-B14.2

Evolution by natural selection lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for higher ability class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes: embedded videos and timers, slide animations, practice questions with answers on slides and an interactive quiz. NB: If you are unable to play videos a URL link can be found in the slide notes.

AQA spec link: 4.6.2.1 + 4.6.2.2
Relevant chapter: B14 Variation and evolution. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 220-221.

Students are required to know the following;

Students should be able to:
• state that there is usually extensive genetic variation within a population of a species
• recall that all variants arise from mutations and that: most have no effect on the phenotype; some influence phenotype; very few determine phenotype.
Mutations occur continuously. Very rarely a mutation will lead to a new phenotype. If the new phenotype is suited to an environmental change it can lead to a relatively rapid change in the species.

Students should be able to describe evolution as a change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through a process of natural selection which may result in the formation of a new species.
The theory of evolution by natural selection states that all species of living things have evolved from simple life forms that first developed more than three billion years ago.
Students should be able to explain how evolution occurs through natural selection of variants that give rise to phenotypes best suited to their environment.
If two populations of one species become so different in phenotype that they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring they have formed two new species.