sciencegcse← Topic extras

Separate Biology · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · B6

Darwin, Lamarck and changing ideas

Key ideas1 of 3

Darwin built a case from evidence

Darwin developed his explanation of evolution using observations made during his voyage, followed by years of investigation and discussion. Evidence from fossils and developing geological knowledge helped shape his thinking. His explanation started with variation already present in a population. Individuals with inherited features better suited to the environment were more likely to survive and reproduce, so those features could become more common over many generations.

Darwin drew on voyage observations, geology, fossils, investigation and discussion before publishing in 1859.

Next: Wallace and the origin of species →
Practice, downloads and sources

Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Foundation + Higher · B6. Use alongside the shared B6 lessons.

AQA GCSE Biology 8461 · 4.6.3.1. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.