Natural Selection
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 8.1.8
Natural Selection
Natural Selection is considered the main process of evolution. The theory is often quoted as ‘survival of the fittest’.
Finches
- Charles Darwin observed that finches evolved to have different beaks due to differences in their environment.
- The different beaks allowed the finches to do different jobs.
- Large beaks allowed some finches to break open nuts.
- Small, pointy beaks allowed some finches to pick out insects from behind tree bark.
What is natural selection?
- Only the strongest, fittest, fastest, and most adapted organisms survive to reproduce.
- Only the best-adapted characteristics are passed on to offspring because only the best-adapted organisms survive.
Test yourself on Natural Selection
What is the phrase often quoted to describe the theory of evolution by natural selection?
Which adaptations are passed onto the offspring of a species, according to the theory of evolution by natural selection?
What is natural selection?
What happens to animals that are not well adapted to their environment?
Why do finches have different types of beaks?