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The development of understanding of genetics and evolution
Study how scientific understanding of genetics and evolution developed over time, how evidence supports evolutionary theory, and how resistant bacteria demonstrate rapid evolution.
55
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaGcseBiologyInheritance, variation and evolution
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55 objective pages available
Theory of evolution (biology only)10 objectives
- Describe how Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection using observations, experimentation, discussion, geology and fossils.
- Explain that individuals in a species show a wide range of variation for a characteristic.
- Explain that individuals best suited to the environment are more likely to survive and breed successfully.
- Explain that useful characteristics are passed to the next generation.
- Recall that Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859.
- Explain why Darwin’s theory was controversial and only gradually accepted.
- Explain that the mechanism of inheritance and variation was not known when Darwin published his theory.
- Compare Darwin’s theory with Lamarck’s idea that acquired characteristics can be inherited, noting that this is not true in most cases.
- State that a study of creationism is not required.
- Appreciate that evolutionary theory developed over time from evidence gathered by many scientists.
Speciation (biology only)7 objectives
- Describe the work of Darwin and Wallace in developing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Explain the impact of Darwin’s and Wallace’s ideas on biology.
- Recall that Wallace independently proposed natural selection and published joint writings with Darwin in 1858.
- Describe Wallace’s work gathering evidence worldwide, including warning colouration and speciation.
- Explain that evidence over time has improved current understanding of speciation.
- Describe the steps that give rise to new species.
- Link speciation to populations becoming unable to interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
The understanding of genetics (biology only)8 objectives
- Describe Mendel’s contribution to the development of understanding of genetics.
- Explain that Mendel’s breeding experiments suggested inherited units were passed to descendants unchanged.
- Explain why the importance of Mendel’s work was not recognised until after his death.
- Describe how observations of chromosome behaviour in cell division supported inheritance ideas.
- Explain how early twentieth-century observations linked Mendel’s units with chromosomes.
- Explain that genes were later understood to be located on chromosomes.
- Describe how determining DNA structure and gene function helped develop gene theory.
- Explain that current understanding of genetics developed over time through work by many scientists.
Evidence for evolution6 objectives
- Describe evidence for evolution including fossils and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- Explain that evolution by natural selection is now widely accepted.
- Explain that gene inheritance provides evidence for Darwin’s theory.
- Explain that the fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
- Explain that antibiotic resistance in bacteria provides evidence for evolution by natural selection.
- Use data to support explanations of evolutionary theory.
Fossils9 objectives
- Define fossils as remains of organisms from millions of years ago found in rocks.
- Describe fossil formation when parts of organisms have not decayed because conditions for decay are absent.
- Describe fossil formation when parts of organisms are replaced by minerals as they decay.
- Describe fossils as preserved traces such as footprints, burrows and rootlet traces.
- Explain why the fossil record is incomplete, including soft-bodied organisms and geological activity.
- Explain that fossils show how much or how little organisms have changed over time.
- Extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables linked to fossils.
- Interpret evolutionary trees using current classification data and fossil data.
- Explain how fossil evidence shows scientific methods and theories developing over time.
Extinction6 objectives
- Define extinction as occurring when no remaining individuals of a species are alive.
- Describe environmental changes as possible contributors to extinction.
- Describe habitat change or loss as a possible contributor to extinction.
- Describe new diseases, predators or competitors as possible contributors to extinction.
- Describe catastrophic events as possible contributors to extinction when given information.
- Apply extinction factors to unfamiliar species using evidence from a scenario.
Resistant bacteria9 objectives
- Explain why bacteria can evolve rapidly because they reproduce quickly.
- Explain how mutations in bacterial pathogens can produce antibiotic-resistant strains.
- Explain that resistant strains survive antibiotic treatment and reproduce.
- Explain how the population of a resistant bacterial strain rises and spreads.
- Recall MRSA as an example of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
- Describe why doctors should not prescribe antibiotics inappropriately, including for non-serious or viral infections.
- Explain why patients should complete antibiotic courses to reduce the chance of resistant strains surviving.
- Describe why agricultural antibiotic use should be restricted.
- Explain that developing new antibiotics is costly and slow and may not keep up with resistant strains.
Key terms
DarwinfossilsvariationExplainbestenvironmentcharacteristicsnextOn the Origin of SpeciesinheritanceLamarckcreationism
Exam tips
- Theory of evolution (biology only) exam tip 1: Use precise biological vocabulary when you explain how to describe how Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection using observations, experimentation, discussion, geology and fossils..
- Theory of evolution (biology only) exam tip 1: Use precise biological vocabulary when you explain how to explain that individuals in a species show a wide range of variation for a characteristic..
Common mistakes
- Avoid blurring DNA vs genes in Theory of evolution (biology only): Keep the answer tied to the approved objective: students must describe how Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection using observations, experimentation, discussion, geology and fossils. Use the distinction that DNA is the molecule; a gene is a functional section of that molecule.
- Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1: Answer by clearly explaining how to explain that individuals in a species show a wide range of variation for a characteristic..
Practice preview
- Which option best matches the approved learning objective for Theory of evolution (biology only) (1)?
- Which option correctly contrasts the named ideas for The development of understanding of genetics and evolution, Theory of evolution (biology only): students must describe how Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection using observations, experimentation, discussion, geology and fossils.
- Which option gives the correct cause-and-effect relationship for The development of understanding of genetics and evolution, Theory of evolution (biology only): students must describe how Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection using observations, experimentation, discussion, geology and fossils.
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