GCSE Biology Specification

Edexcel 1BI0

Section 4: Natural selection and genetic modification

Are you studying this syllabus?

You can track your progress by adding it to your account.

Add syllabus

#4.1B

Describe the work of Darwin and Wallace in the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection and explain the impact of these ideas on modern biology

#4.2

Explain Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection

#4.3

Explain how the emergence of resistant organisms supports Darwin’s theory of evolution including antibiotic resistance in bacteria

#4.4

Describe the evidence for human evolution, based on fossils, including:

a) Ardi from 4.4 million years ago
b) Lucy from 3.2 million years ago
c) Leakey’s discovery of fossils from 1.6 million years ago

#4.5

Describe the evidence for human evolution based on stone tools, including:

a) the development of stone tools over time
b) how these can be dated from their environment

#4.6B

Describe how the anatomy of the pentadactyl limb provides scientists with evidence for evolution

#4.7

Describe how genetic analysis has led to the suggestion of the three domains rather than the five kingdoms classification method

#4.8

Explain selective breeding and its impact on food plants and domesticated animals

#4.9B

Describe the process of tissue culture and its advantages in medical research and plant breeding programmes

#4.10

Describe genetic engineering as a process which involves modifying the genome of an organism to introduce desirable characteristics

#4.11

Describe the main stages of genetic engineering including the use of:

a) restriction enzymes
b) ligase
c) sticky ends
d) vectors

#4.12B

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering to produce GM organisms including the modification of crop plants, including the introduction of genes for insect resistance from Bacillus thuringiensis into crop plants

#4.13B

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of agricultural solutions to the demands of a growing human population, including use of fertilisers and biological control

#4.14

Evaluate the benefits and risks of genetic engineering and selective breeding in modern agriculture and medicine, including practical and ethical implications