Inheritance, Variation & Natural Selection
Inheritance, Variation & Natural Selection
Lesduur is: 45 minOnderdelen in deze les
Inheritance, Variation & Natural Selection
What do you already know about DNA and traits?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to define the role of DNA and chromosomes in inheritance, and explain the process of natural selection.
Starter Question
What do you already know about DNA and traits?
What Is Inheritance?
Inheritance is the way traits and features are passed from parents to their children.
Why Do We Look Like Our Parents?
We inherit characteristics such as eye colour, hair type, and height from our parents through their genetic material.
What Are Chromosomes?
Chromosomes are thread-like structures carried inside the cell nucleus. They contain DNA.
The Structure of DNA
DNA looks like a twisted ladder (a double helix). It carries instructions that control all the body's features.
How Do Chromosomes and DNA Work Together?
Chromosomes store DNA. DNA contains genes which control how you look and function.
What Are Genes?
Genes are sections of DNA that give instructions for making proteins and controlling traits.
Variation in Living Things
Variation means differences between members of the same species, such as height or eye colour.
Where Does Variation Come From?
Variation happens because of the unique mix of genes from each parent. Sometimes, random mutations add new variations.
What Are Mutations?
Mutations are changes in genes or DNA. Most have little effect, but some can be helpful or harmful.
Exploring Natural Selection
Natural selection is a process that helps living things with helpful traits survive and reproduce.
How Does Natural Selection Work?
Animals and plants with traits that help them survive are more likely to have offspring. These traits get passed on.
Survival of the Fittest
This phrase means the individuals best suited to their environment survive and reproduce more than others.
Example: The Peppered Moth
Peppered moths with colours that match their environment are less likely to be eaten, so their colouring is passed on.
Key Vocabulary
A piece of DNA that controls a specific trait.
A structure inside cells containing DNA.
Gene
Chromosome
More Vocabulary
Natural Selection
Variation
The process that helps beneficial traits spread through a population.
Differences between individuals of the same species.
Quick Recap
Can you explain, in your own words, how DNA and chromosomes link to inheritance?
Reflection
How would you describe the process of natural selection to someone your age?
Well Done! You've Learned About Inheritance
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
