Science / Year 10 / Science Understanding / Biological sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence (ACSSU185)

Elaborations
  • outlining processes involved in natural selection including variation, isolation and selection
  • describing biodiversity as a function of evolution
  • investigating changes caused by natural selection in a particular population as a result of a specified selection pressure such as artificial selection in breeding for desired characteristics
  • relating genetic characteristics to survival and reproductive rates
  • evaluating and interpreting evidence for evolution, including the fossil record, chemical and anatomical similarities, and geographical distribution of species
ScOT terms

Evolution,  Biodiversity

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The first modern humans in south-east Asia

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Stickleback Evolution Virtual Lab - iTunes app

Enter this virtual laboratory and conduct experiments to investigate genetic variation and evolution of populations of the three-spined stickleback fish. Students analyse fish and fossillised specimens, construct tables and graphs, and interpret their analysis. There are also instructive tutorials, videos describing stickleback ...

Interactive

Natural selection

This is an interactive resource in which students explore natural selection by controlling an environment and causing mutations in rabbits. Students can select vary environments, selection pressures, mutations and associated genetics, and then observe the populations change. This interactive resource is supported by tips ...

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Animal Health: the science of healthy animals

This study guide considers the science behind breeding, genetics, health and animal welfare in the cattle and sheep industries - keeping animals free of disease and parasites, improving biodiversity and protecting against feral animals. A range of articles and student activities explores how farmers and scientists are working ...

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The Conversation: Biodiversity

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Laptop wrap: Charles Darwin

A webpage with a focus on the work of Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution including its controversy.

Audio

Conserving seeds of agricultural crops

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Video

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Species on the move

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Caving for fossils

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Catalyst: Cambrian fossils on Kangaroo Island

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Interactive

Genes

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Sexual selection

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Missing links

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Interactive

Laptop wrap: Fossilisation

A webpage with a focus on the process of fossilisation that helps explain why it occurs so rarely.