# Describe the process of natural selection and explain how it may lead to the formation of a new species over many generations.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 7.3 Variation and evolution · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Variation exists within a population / individuals have different phenotypes / mutations cause random changes in DNA increasing variation
2. Individuals with advantageous characteristics / alleles are better suited to the environment and are more likely to survive and reproduce
3. Advantageous alleles are passed down to offspring / allele frequency increases over many generations
4. Over many generations the accumulated changes in inherited characteristics may result in the formation of a new species / the population becomes so different from the original that it can no longer interbreed with it

## Key terms

- [natural selection](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/natural-selection)
- [species](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/species)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-process-of-natural-selection-d0edf9c1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.