Year 10 Science • AC9S10U02 • Authored homework
Evolution by natural selection
Use evidence to explain how variation, selection pressure, survival, reproduction and inheritance can change populations over many generations.
Part A
Short-answer questions
What is evolution in a biological population?
Define natural selection in your own words.
Why is variation within a population necessary for natural selection?
What is a selection pressure? Give one example.
Explain why natural selection acts on individuals but evolution is measured in populations.
What is an adaptation?
How can fossils provide evidence for past life and evolutionary change?
How can DNA evidence support relationships between species?
Identify one misconception about evolution and correct it.
Why does “survival of the fittest” not simply mean the strongest organism survives?
Part B
Long-answer questions
Explain natural selection using the sequence: variation, selection pressure, differential survival, reproduction, inheritance and population change.
A population of insects includes green and brown individuals. Birds more easily see the green insects on dark tree bark. Explain how the population could change over generations.
Compare fossil evidence, anatomical evidence and DNA evidence for evolution. State one strength and one limitation of each type of evidence.
Explain why antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of natural selection, not bacteria choosing to become resistant.
Evaluate this claim: “An organism evolves during its lifetime because it needs to survive.” Explain what is wrong with the claim.
Use a labelled flow chart to show how a new inherited trait could become more common in a population over many generations.
Explain how environmental change can alter which traits are advantageous. Give a specific example.
Compare natural selection and selective breeding. Include who or what does the selecting and how traits change across generations.
A scientist compares two species and finds many similar DNA sequences. Explain what this suggests and why it should be considered with other evidence.
Write a full scientific explanation of how natural selection can explain both past and present diversity of life on Earth.
Part C
Research and understanding task
Research one real example of evolution by natural selection, such as antibiotic resistance, pesticide resistance, beak variation, camouflage or a local Australian example. Describe the variation, selection pressure, evidence and population change, and explain one limitation of the evidence.