1. Natural selection
Monday, 17 February 2014
Learning objectives:
 To explain what is meant by survival of the fittest.
 To analyse the stages in natural selection and be able to
give examples.
 To evaluate how natural selection in the Galapagos
finches helped Darwin formulate his theory.
Key words: Survival of the fittest, selective
advantage, variation

2. What are the differences between these
two moths? Why might one be better
adapted than the other?
Extra challenge: How does the environment affect
the number of moths of each colour?

3. Survival of the fittest
Use the information from the video to draw
a picture explaining “survival of the
fittest.” You may only use 2 sentences to
explain your picture!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/na
tural-selection-and-survival-of-thefittest/5516.html
LO: To explain what is meant by survival of the fittest.

4. Adaptations
• We know that species are adapted to
suit their environment (think of the
camel and polar bear).
• What happens to those which are not
well adapted?
• This is survival of the fittest.

5. Darwin’s finches
• On his voyage on the Beagle Darwin
stopped at the Galapagos islands.
• Here he discovered some unique species
including and observed a variety of
finches.

6. Darwin’s Finches
From one species of
finch, several others
have evolved over time.
Depending on the
environment they
inhabit, they have
evolved adaptations that
make them better suited
for their niche.

7. Darwin’s finches
Different islands in the Galapagos have
different habitats and food types.
Discuss: Why might different species of
finch exist on different islands?
Extra challenge: How did Darwin use natural
selection to explain what he saw on the
Galapagos?
Be ready to share your ideas with the class.
 To evaluate how natural selection in the Galapagos finches helped Darwin
formulate his theory.

8. Finches practical
• We are going to try and pick up seeds with
different sized forceps to model the
different sized beaks of Galapagos
finches.
• Make a prediction, carry out the
experiment and then answer the questions.
Extra challenge: Why might some finches in
the Galapagos have started feeding on foods
other than seeds? Explain using your
knowledge of natural selection.
LO: To evaluate how natural selection in the Galapagos finches helped
Darwin formulate his theory.

9. Homework
• Levelled task about Darwin’s theory of
evolution
Use knowledge from lessons, internet,
books etc. to help you.
BUT NOT COPYING AND PASTING!!
Due 23rd September

10. Stages in natural selection
• Sort the cards into the correct order.
Support: Text books, mobiles.
Extra challenge: Add some examples of
natural selection, you may use text books
to help you.
LO: To analyse the stages in natural selection and be able to give
examples.