AQA GCSE · Question 01.2 · Inheritance Variation and Evolution
Describe the process of natural selection.
How to approach this question
Break down the process into key stages. Start with variation, then discuss survival and reproduction (survival of the fittest), and finally inheritance of advantageous traits.
Full Answer
1. There is variation within a population of a species.
2. Individuals with characteristics best suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
3. These advantageous alleles are then passed on to their offspring.
Natural selection is the process through which populations of living organisms adapt and change. It works on the principle that there is genetic variation within any population. Some individuals will have traits better suited to the environment than others. These individuals are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on these advantageous traits to their offspring. Over generations, this can lead to the evolution of new species.
Common mistakes
✗ Forgetting to mention variation as the starting point.
✗ Not linking survival to reproduction and passing on genes.
✗ Confusing natural selection with evolution itself (natural selection is a mechanism of evolution).
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