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Heredity and evolution
Heredity and evolution · Year 10 Science · Science understanding
These units connect how traits are passed down with how populations change over time — the same ideas doctors, farmers and conservation biologists use for genetic conditions, breeding and biodiversity. Work through 1 → 2 → 3 if you are new, then use 4 to practise; or open the part you need.
Checklist wording (official): Heredity and evolution (curriculum) · Knowledge check: Heredity and evolution
Units
| Unit | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 · Cell division and genetic material | Two scales (heredity vs evolution); mitosis and meiosis; chromosomes, DNA, genes and alleles; diagrams and quick checks. |
| 2 · Mendelian inheritance | Phenotype and genotype; monohybrid and test cross; Punnett diagrams, interactive explorer, and self-checks. |
| 3 · Natural selection and evidence | What natural selection is (and is not); evidence for evolution; homologous vs analogous structures. |
| 4 · Practice | Your turn — mixed questions linking genetics and evolution. |
Big-picture outcomes
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
- Compare mitosis and meiosis and say what each is for.
- Link chromosomes, DNA, genes and alleles in one coherent explanation.
- Use simple Punnett squares or ratios for dominant/recessive monohybrid crosses.
- State natural selection in your own words and name several kinds of evidence for evolution.
- See how variation from meiosis, fertilisation and mutation supplies the raw material for selection in populations.