Evolution & Mutations
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 8.1.5
Evolution & Mutations
The process by which an organism changes over time is called evolution. Mutations are changes in an organism’s genes.
Mutations
- Mutations can lead to an organism being better adapted.
- When an organism is better adapted, it has more chances of survival.
- If an organism is more likely to survive, it is more likely to reproduce.
- If an organism is more likely to reproduce, its characteristics are passed to its offspring.
New species
- Over time, new species of animals are created.
- New species are created because the characteristics of animals change over time.
- Species are different kinds of living things that exist. For example, dogs and cats are different species.
Test yourself on Evolution & Mutations
What is a mutation?
What is evolution?
What leads to the creation of new species of animals?