# Explain how natural selection can lead to a change in the inherited characteristics of a population over many generations.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.4.2 Evolution and natural selection · Explain · 4 marks

> A population of mice lives in a snowy environment. Some mice have white fur and some have brown fur. Predators find it easier to spot brown mice against the snow.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. White fur mice are better adapted / suited to the snowy environment, so are less likely to be eaten by predators
2. White mice are more likely to survive and reproduce
3. The allele(s) for white fur are passed on to offspring, increasing the frequency of the advantageous allele in the population
4. Over many generations, the proportion of white-furred mice in the population increases / the population's inherited characteristics change

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](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-natural-selection-can-lead-8f5251c8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.