Science·Insects & Minibeasts·conceptual
Insect Adaptations
Adaptation and evolution in insects: peppered moths as a famous example of natural selection (dark moths survived better on soot-covered trees during the Industrial Revolution). Stick insects evolved to look like twigs. Ant-mimicking spiders evolved to fool predators. How small changes over many generations lead to remarkable disguises.
Suggested ages 9–11
Evidence of understanding
- Retell the peppered moth story and explain how the environment changed which colour moth survived best
- Describe how a stick insect's body shape is an adaptation that helps it avoid being eaten
- Explain that adaptations develop over many generations through natural selection, not during one insect's lifetime
Assessment prompt
Can Insect Adaptations explain why peppered moths changed colour during the Industrial Revolution — and how that's an example of how living things adapt over many generations?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.