How do I explain the process of Natural Selection?

VOSSAG V - Variation: all organisms undergo varying amounts of genetic variation due to genetic mutations or environmental factors (such as geographic separation). O - Overpopulation: all populations have the ability to overpopulate a habitat.  S - Selection: Overpopulation creates selection pressures on the population. S - Survival of the Fittest: Only the fittest individuals survive in a population these selection pressures. (n.b. the term 'fittest' here does not neccessarily mean 'most physically capable' - any advantage developed a species that makes it more suited to living in it's environment will be selected for and will survive (e.g. ghecko camouflage)) A - Adaptation: the organisms that survive are well adapted to their environment. G - Genes Passed On: Advantageous genes are passed on to subsequent generations. This guide should always be modified to be relevant to the question (i.e. be specific to the organism mentioned in the question).

BK
Answered by Ben K. Biology tutor

6559 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does an action potential travel faster in a myelinated neurone compared to a non-myelinated neurone?


How does a signal move from one neurone to another and how does this process change for different motor responses?


What are the differences between glycogen, starch and cellulose?


Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive condition. In a population, 0.04% of individuals have the disease. Use the Hardy-Weinberg equation to calculate the number of carriers of cystic fibrosis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning