KS5 Biology: Evolution and adaptation

Overview

How have plants evolved and adapted to live in the extraordinary variety of habitats on Earth? 

Travel back in time and across the globe to discover how plants have evolved and adapted to live in the extraordinary variety of habitats on Earth. What drives this evolutionary change and capability?  

Pupils will explore adaptation and natural selection using Kew’s living plant collection. Discover how the great diversity of plant species on Earth has evolved over time and what changes to our climate may mean for plants in the future. 

Learning outcomes

Pupils will be able to:

• Understand the theory of evolution by natural selection.
• Recognise the roles that adaptation, mutation and reproductive isolation play in evolution.
• Explain how new species can be formed over time.
• Identify a variety of plant adaptations.

We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.

Keywords

Evolution, adaptation, natural selection, gene mutation, variation, speciation, reproductive isolation, convergent, divergent, biodiversity 

Skills

b) Use and apply scientific methods and practices

• Make and record observations.
• Present information and data in a scientific way.

Practical techniques

5. Produce scientific drawing from observation with annotations.

How Science Works 

• All sessions link to the relevant sections of How Science Works.

Curriculum links