AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Charles Darwin, as a result of observations on a round the world…
Full specification wording
Theory of evolution (biology only): Charles Darwin, as a result of observations on a round the world expedition, backed by years of experimentation and discussion and linked to developing knowledge of geology and fossils, proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
This statement explains how Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 8
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This statement explains how Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. During a round-the-world expedition, Darwin made observations of living organisms and fossils in many places. He continued to experiment and discuss his ideas for years afterwards. At the same time, knowledge of geology and fossils was developing, which helped him interpret his observations. For example, fossils of extinct species and geological evidence of gradual change supported the idea that living things change over long periods. Darwin proposed that organisms with characteristics best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those characteristics. Over many generations, this natural selection can lead to evolution and to the formation of new species.
What earns the marks
- Darwin made observations of organisms and fossils during a round-the-world expedition.
- He backed up his ideas with years of experimentation and discussion.
- His thinking was linked to developing knowledge of geology and fossils.
- He proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Natural selection explains how species change over many generations as favourable characteristics are passed on.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking Darwin proposed his theory immediately after the expedition.
Put it right: He spent years experimenting and discussing before publishing.
Believing Darwin worked alone without using other scientific knowledge.
Put it right: Geology and fossil evidence helped shape his ideas.
Confusing natural selection with the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Put it right: Natural selection acts on inherited variation, not on characteristics gained during life.
Exam tips
- Name the expedition and state that Darwin made observations of living things and fossils.
- Mention the roles of experimentation, discussion, geology and fossils in developing the theory.
- Define natural selection clearly, linking survival, reproduction and the passing on of favourable characteristics.
Try the lesson
The start of the Theory of evolution (biology only): Charles Darwin, as a result of observations on a round the world expedition, backed by years of experimentation and discussion and linked to developing knowledge of geology and fossils, proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. What did he do on a round the world expedition that helped him develop this theory?
Listen
This statement explains how Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. During a round-the-world expedition, Darwin made observations of living organisms and fossils in many places. He continued to experiment and discuss his ideas for years afterwards. At the same time, knowledge of geology and fossils was developing, which helped him interpret his observations. For example, fossils of extinct species and geological evidence of gradual change supported the idea that living things change over long periods. Darwin proposed that organisms with characteristics best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those characteristics. Over many generations, this natural selection can lead to evolution and to the formation of new species. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Darwin made observations of organisms and fossils during a round-the-world expedition. He backed up his ideas with years of experimentation and discussion. His thinking was linked to developing knowledge of geology and fossils. He proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. Exam tip: Name the expedition and state that Darwin made observations of living things and fossils.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Theory of evolution
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Natural selection
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See every definition
- Theory of evolution
- The idea, proposed by Charles Darwin, that living things change over long periods and that new species can form.
- Natural selection
- Organisms with characteristics best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those characteristics over many generations.
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