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Genetics and evolution

University 5 questions
AI-drafted from platform data — specialist review scheduledBy DigiTransact Mastermind editorial teamLast updated
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What genetics and evolution means

You study how traits pass from parents to offspring and how DNA carries the instructions behind them. You also learn how small changes and natural selection can shape populations over time.

What you will practise

  • Identify genes as units of heredity
  • Link DNA changes to mutations
  • Explain how natural selection affects populations
  • Choose the correct term for inherited variation

Before you start

You should already be comfortable with cells, chromosomes, and basic DNA structure. It also helps to know simple ideas about variation, reproduction, and adaptation.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

The theory of evolution by natural selection was proposed by:

  • Gregor Mendel
  • Charles Darwin
  • Louis Pasteur
  • Isaac Newton
Answer: Charles Darwin

Working: Darwin proposed natural selection as the mechanism of evolution.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Mixing up genes and DNA, instead of seeing genes as sections of DNA
  • Thinking evolution happens to one organism during its lifetime
  • Confusing mutation with inheritance, rather than a change in DNA sequence
  • Attributing natural selection to need or effort, instead of differential survival

Curriculum and exam alignment

Tertiary foundation coursework

This topic normally appears in university and tertiary foundation biology as part of heredity, molecular genetics, and evolution. It supports later coursework and professional entrance tests that expect clear understanding of inheritance, mutation, and natural selection.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.

Related skills

Other University Science skills in Science, at the same point in the course.

Other Science topics

My WorldLiving Things Around UsSHS SciencesBiologyChemistryPhysics

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Exams that assess genetics and evolution

University work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Science topics that appear on it.

BECEBECE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the BECE practice page.GESGES practice questionsListed as a related subject on the GES practice page.

How this page was produced

This text was drafted with AI assistance from the questions and topics already stored on the platform. A subject-specialist review is scheduled but has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim it here.

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DigiTransact Mastermind editorial team
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5 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.

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