Natural Selection Evolution

Describe evolution as the gradual change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time, driven by the process of natural selection.

Explain how natural selection favors specific variants that result in phenotypes best suited to survive and reproduce in their specific environment.

Recognize that the theory of evolution by natural selection explains how all currently existing species originated from simple life forms that first developed over three billion years ago.

Explain the process of speciation, detailing how geographical or environmental isolation can cause two populations of one species to evolve differently.

Understand that speciation occurs when two isolated populations become so genetically distinct that they can no longer successfully interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Apply the theory of evolution by natural selection to construct coherent scientific explanations for observed biological phenomena.