# Explain how artificial selection differs from natural selection in the mechanism by which heritable variation is passed to subsequent generations, using a named domesticated species as an example.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — A4.1 Evolution and speciation · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In natural selection, individuals with advantageous heritable traits survive and reproduce at higher rates due to selection pressures in the environment.
2. In artificial selection, humans deliberately choose which individuals breed based on desired traits, acting as the selecting agent instead of environmental pressures.
3. In both cases, the selected traits are heritable, so offspring inherit the favoured alleles/traits, increasing their frequency in subsequent generations.
4. Named domesticated species used correctly as an example, e.g. dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) selectively bred for body size or coat type; cattle bred for increased milk yield; wheat bred for larger grain size.

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-artificial-selection-differs-from-98ce959a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.