The evolution of new species
I can explain how natural selection can lead to the evolution of new species.
The evolution of new species
I can explain how natural selection can lead to the evolution of new species.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The theory of evolution by natural selection suggests that all modern species evolved from earlier species.
- Natural selection causes each generation of a species to become better adapted to its environment.
- Natural selection can cause common features of a population to change so much that we classify them as a new species.
- Populations of the same species living in different conditions can evolve to become separate species.
- An example of speciation of populations living in different conditions (e.g. Galápagos tortoises).
Common misconception
Students often think that animals choose to adapt themselves to their environment.
The language in this lesson has been specifically chosen to avoid embedding this misconception and CfUs help expose this misconception in student thinking.
Keywords
Species - A group of similar organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.
Speciation - When natural selection causes new species to form.
Natural selection - Organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass on their genes to their offspring.
Adaptation - A feature that organisms have that helps them live in a particular place and survive.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Similar organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.
Features organisms have that helps them survive.
Organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely survive.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
