What this topic covers
Inheritance, variation and evolution has 4 subtopics:
- Reproduction
- Variation and evolution
- The development of understanding of genetics and evolution
- Classification of living organisms
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GCSE AQA Foundation Biology · Topic 6 of 8
Inheritance, variation and evolution – GCSE AQA Foundation Biology revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Inheritance, variation and evolution covers Reproduction, Variation and evolution, The development of understanding of genetics and evolution, and Classification of living organisms in GCSE AQA Foundation Biology. 27 lessons in 4 subtopics.
Revise Inheritance, variation and evolution for GCSE AQA Foundation Biology, including Reproduction. 27 lessons across 4 subtopics.
27
Lessons
4
Subtopics
Inheritance, variation and evolution lessons by subtopic
27 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Reproduction
- DNA Structure and the Genome
- Applications of Genome Research
- Gametes in Sexual Reproduction
- Sexual vs Asexual Reproduction and Cell Division
- Sex Chromosomes and Genetic Crosses
- Understanding Inherited Disorders
- Ethical Issues in Embryo Screening
- Sexual vs Asexual Reproduction: Types and Advantages
Variation and evolution
- What is Evolution?
- How Evolution Works Through Natural Selection
- Formation of New Species
- Animal Cloning Techniques
- Plant Cloning Methods
- What is Selective Breeding and How Does it Work?
- The Impact and Problems of Selective Breeding
- Causes of Variation
The development of understanding of genetics and evolution
- Mendel's Revolutionary Discovery
- From Chromosomes to Gene Theory
- What are fossils and how are they formed?
- Fossils as evidence for evolution
- Darwin and Wallace: Developing the Theory of Evolution
- Wallace's Contributions and the Impact on Biology
- The Process of Speciation
- Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection
Classification of living organisms
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE AQA Foundation Biology topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Inheritance, variation and evolution?
Inheritance, variation and evolution covers Reproduction, Variation and evolution, The development of understanding of genetics and evolution, and Classification of living organisms in GCSE AQA Foundation Biology. 27 lessons in 4 subtopics.
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived millions of years ago, found in rocks. The What are fossils and how are they formed? notes cover this in full.
What is a genome?
A genome is the entire genetic material of an organism. The DNA Structure and the Genome notes cover this in full.
What are gametes?
Gametes are specialised reproductive cells that contain half the normal number of chromosomes (haploid). The Gametes in Sexual Reproduction notes cover this in full.
What is evolution?
Evolution is a change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through a process of natural selection, which may result in the formation of a new species. The What is Evolution? notes cover this in full.
What is the scientific name for humans?
The scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens: Homo is the genus, written with a capital letter, and sapiens is the species, written in lowercase. The The Linnaean Classification System notes cover this in full.
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which organisms with characteristics that make them better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce successfully, passing these advantageous characteristics to their offspring. The What is Evolution? notes cover this in full.
How are fossils formed?
Fossils form in three main ways: from parts of organisms that have not decayed because conditions for decay were absent, through mineralisation where minerals gradually replace the original material, and as preserved traces such as footprints, burrows and root traces that fill with sediment and harden into rock. The What are fossils and how are they formed? notes cover this in full.
What is the structure of DNA?
DNA is a polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix, like a twisted ladder. The DNA Structure and the Genome notes cover this in full.