Describe the process of natural selection

A mutation occurs in the genotype of an organism. This results in a beneficial phenotype being expressed. This organism now has a survival advantage. Therefore, it will live longer. This means it will have more opportunities to reproduce and therefore pass on their beneficially mutated gene. Their offspring will inherit the beneficial gene, and in turn will express it as the advantageous phenotype. These offspring will therefore have more opportunities to reproduce. Eventually, those who inherit the beneficial gene and therefore have a survival advantage, will outcompete those without the gene. This will result in all organisms of a species inheriting this gene. This is natural selection and results in evolution.

KO
Answered by Katherine O. Biology tutor

2492 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If a person drinks a lot of water, the water content of their blood will increase. Describe how the water content of their blood is regulated.


Give the full balanced symbol and word equation for aerobic respiration


What are the key cellular differences between bacterial cells and plant and animal cells?


What happens to the diaphragm during inspiration?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning