What conditions are needed for evolution by natural selection to arise?

Evolution by natural selection arises when these three properties are present in a system

  • Heredity - offspring resemble their parents in discrete characteristics.

  • Variation - there are heritable differences between individuals in the population.

  • Limited resources / overproduction - the presence of more offspring than the resources need to support them produces differential survival and selection pressure.

Answered by Richard A. Biology tutor

2470 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why biological enzymes would stop working at temperatures higher than 45 degrees Celcius.


Explain the Cardiac Cycle


Describe the structure of DNA.


Maltose is hydrolysed by the enzyme maltase. Explain why maltase catalyses only this reaction.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences