Evolution & Natural Selection

Subject: Science  ·  Grade level: 9th

How small changes over generations create entirely new species. Charles Darwin's big idea: living things vary, more offspring are born than survive, and the o

In this lesson

• What is evolution?
• Natural selection — Darwin's mechanism
• Evidence for evolution

Key terms

Evolution

Change in the inherited characteristics of populations over generations.

Adaptation

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

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