Define evolution and inheritance - worksheet

Evolution is the process through which species of living organisms undergo change over time through variations in their genetic material. These changes can lead to the development of new traits or characteristics that may give the species a better chance of survival in their environment. Over many generations, these genetic variations can accumulate, leading to the emergence of entirely new species while others may become extinct.

Inheritance, in the context of biology, refers to the passing down of genetic information from parents to their offspring. This genetic transmission is the mechanism by which traits and characteristics are inherited, allowing offspring to resemble their parents. Inheritance is a fundamental component of evolution as it enables the genetic variations, which may be acted upon by natural selection, to be propagated through successive generations.