Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance
Fill in the gaps to complete the sentences. A cactus is adapted to survive in dry conditions.
Label its adaptations on the diagram.
All things are made of . In the centre of a cell is the nucleus.
This is where all the is stored.
The genetic material is contained in chromosomes that are made of
. This makes us who we are.
Keywords: DNA, cells, genetic material, living
Complete the sentence.
List three ways a lion is adapted to catch prey.
Charles Darwin developed the theory of
1.
.
2.
3.
Who else came up with the same theory?
Is this statement true or false?
‘Variation is when characteristics of an animal or plant are different, caused by
inherited and environmental factors.’
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Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance
Variation in a species can be environmental (the Describe how the Galapagos finches help to support Darwin’s theory.
conditions around us) or inherited (from our parents).
Draw lines to match the characteristic to its correct
category.
eye colour
inherited
tattoo
ear-piercing
environment
blood group
scar
Underline the words that are spelt incorrectly and rewrite the
sentence, making the corrections.
Aminals and palnts have special features that enable them to
adapt to their enviroment so they are more likely to surviv.
2.
3.
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Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance
Living things are classified using the Why do scientists use the Linnaean classification system?
Linnaean system.
Fill in the vowels to complete the words.
K_ngd_m
What language is used when naming different species?
Phyl_m
Cl_ss Greek Latin English
_rd_r
Can you explain why?
F_m_ly
G_n_s
Sp_c__s
Classify the following organisms into two groups and then explain why you classified them this way.
human dolphin nettle buttercup slug bluebell orchid squirrel
Group 1
Group 2
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Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance
Using the diagram, list ways in which humans How are fossils formed?
have changed over time.
Tick the correct answer.
Mary Anning spent her childhood…
...searching for treasure.
...fossil hunting.
...searching for minibeasts.
Why are fossils so important to the theory of evolution?
Extension Question
What other evidence do we now have for the theory of evolution?
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Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance Answers
Fill in the gaps to complete the sentences. A cactus is adapted to survive in dry
conditions. Label its adaptations on
All living things are made of cells. In the centre of a cell is the nucleus. This is the diagram.
where all the genetic material is stored. water stored spines
in the body of instead of
The genetic material is contained in chromosomes that are made of DNA. This
the cactus leaves to
makes us who we are. prevent
water loss
Keywords: DNA, cells, genetic material, living spread out
roots
Complete the sentence. List three ways a lion is adapted to catch prey. Pupils
Charles Darwin developed the theory of may come up with a variety of answers, such as:
evolution. • sharp teeth to bite;
• sharp retractable claws to grab their prey;
• rough tongue to help when eating;
Who else came up with the same theory?
• eyes at the front of its head for stalking;
Alfred Wallace • strong leg muscles for running;
• sandy colour for camouflage.
Is this statement true or false?
‘Variation is when characteristics of an animal or plant are different, caused by
inherited and environmental factors.’
true
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Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance Answers
Variation in a species can be environmental (the Describe how the Galapagos finches help to support Darwin’s theory.
conditions around us) or inherited (from our parents).
There are many species of Galapagos finches, all found on different
Draw lines to match the characteristic to its correct
islands. Each species has a different shaped beak because they all eat
category.
different types of food. Darwin’s theory is that each different species
eye colour adapted to the new environment. This adaptation allows each species
inherited of finches to survive better.
tattoo
ear-piercing
environment List three ways a penguin is adapted to live in a
blood group cold climate.
scar Pupils may come up with a variety of answers, such as:
Underline the words that are spelt incorrectly and rewrite • streamlined and webbed feet for swimming;
the sentence, making the corrections.
• wings shaped like flippers for swimming;
Aminals and palnts have special features that enable them to • thick skin and blubber to keep warm;
adapt to their enviroment so they are more likely to surviv.
• black feathers to absorb the heat from the sun;
• will also huddle in large groups to keep warm.
Animals and plants have special features that make them better
adapted to their environment so they are more likely to survive.
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Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance Answers
Living things are classified using the Why do scientists use the Linnaean classification system?
Linnaean system. Scientists can identify different species and how closely related different species
are depending on their characteristics.
Fill in the vowels to complete the words.
What language is used when naming different species?
Kingdom
Phylum Greek Latin English
Class
Can you explain why?
Order
Latin is a language that can be used all over the world.
Family
Genus
Species
Classify the following organisms into two groups and then explain why you classified them this way.
human dolphin nettle buttercup slug bluebell orchid squirrel
Group 1 humans, dolphin, slug, squirrel
Group 2 nettle, buttercup, bluebell, orchid
These organisms are either plants or animals and are separated into two kingdoms.
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Year 6 Evolution and Inheritance Answers
Using the diagram, list ways in which How are fossils formed?
humans have changed over time. Fossils are formed when an animal or plant dies. Mud and soil covers the dead
animal. When the soft tissues rot away, it leaves behind the bones or the shell.
Sediment will build up on top, eventually hardening into rock.
Tick the correct answer.
Mary Anning spent her childhood…
...searching for treasure.
...fossil hunting.
...searching for minibeasts.
Humans became taller and more upright.
They developed smaller jaws, less body hair Why are fossils so important to the theory of evolution?
and larger brains. Fossils provide us with evidence of organisms that lived on earth millions of
years ago. They help to support Darwin’s theory of evolution. Fossils show us
how organisms have changed over a long period of time.
Extension Question
What other evidence do we now have for the theory of evolution?
DNA
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