Darwin and Natural Selection

The scene takes the form of two very contrasting habitats from the cold, dry landscape of the arctic, to the hot, dry landscape of the African savannah. By observing the species of animals that live in each habitat, specific adaptations needed to survive will.

# Learning objectives

1: Be able to describe Natural Selection{.info}

2: Be able to explain why natural selection happens{.info}

3: Be able to describe the impact of natural selection on a population{.info}

# Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection{.objective .objective1}

In this section, the concept of natural selection will be modelled and described. By comparing both the arctic and savannah as habitats, it will become apparent that specific adaptations to surviving in these environments are needed. Darwin’s observations that animals suited to their environment were more likely to out compete their counterparts. Hence the theory of Natural Selection.

# Adaptation and Survival of the Fittest{.objective .objective2}

In this section, exploring the scene, specific characteristics of the animals modelled in the scene will be outlined. From the arctic fox’s white fur providing camouflage, to the short, low surface area to volume body shape designed to reduce heat loss along with its thick long fur. Other examples include the giraffe’s long neck enabling it to reach food higher up a tree, which could be the leading cause of shorter necked giraffes going extinct. Discussions should lead students to establishing that animals who are adapted, survive to out compete their counterparts, obtain food as an energy source, reproduce and pass of their genes to their offspring.

# When a Habitat is not for You{.objective .objective3}

In this section, the lack of adaptation will be outlined. Examples from the dark rabbit in the arctic to the short necked giraffe in the savannah should lead students discuss the fact that dark rabbits are not camouflaged against the snow, and short necked giraffes were unable to reach food high up on trees as food lower down ran out. These disadvantages meant they were unable to compete with better suited animals and survive to reproduce and pass on their genes to their offspring.