Science·Organisms & Life Processes·language
Evolution vocabulary
Use technical vocabulary for evolution and natural selection — adaptation, evolution, natural selection, extinct, extinction, fossil record, species, common ancestor, mutation, variation — and explain the mechanism of natural selection using these terms in the correct sequence
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is exploring how living things get and use energy — from understanding how plants make food from sunlight and air, to learning about the human circulatory system and how lifestyle choices affect our bodies.
Evidence of understanding
- Use 'adaptation' correctly to describe a feature that helps an organism survive in its environment
- Explain natural selection using 'variation', 'selection pressure', and 'reproduction' correctly in sequence
- Use 'extinct' and 'extinction' correctly and distinguish them from 'endangered'
Assessment prompt
Can Evolution vocabulary explain in their own words why giraffes have long necks — using words like 'adaptation' or 'natural selection' rather than just 'so they can reach leaves'?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.