Evolution and Inheritance Knowledge Organiser

Year 6 ScienceEvolution and Inheritance1 page

About this worksheet

A single-page Year 6 knowledge organiser for evolution and inheritance. Six key words are defined, from evolution to natural selection and fossil. Four big ideas state that offspring vary, that plants and animals are adapted, that useful adaptations may lead to evolution, and that fossils show how species have changed. A visual guide shows three finch beaks: a large crushing beak for seeds, a long probing beak for cactus nectar and a pointed beak for insects. Four questions with answers finish the page, the last naming Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. It matches the England National Curriculum for Year 6 science.

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Evolution and Inheritance Knowledge Organiser: Evolution and Inheritance - page 1

Curriculum objectives covered

Evolution and inheritance

“Recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago”

The fossil definition, the fourth big idea and key question 2.

Evolution and inheritance

“Recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents”

The definitions of inheritance and variation, the first big idea and key question 1.

Evolution and inheritance

“Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution”

The three finch beaks, the cactus spines in key question 3 and the third big idea.

What's inside this worksheet

Key Vocabulary

Six terms with one-line definitions: evolution, inheritance, variation, adaptation, natural selection and fossil.

Big Ideas

Four statements with icons, on offspring that vary, adaptation to the environment, adaptation leading to evolution, and fossils as evidence.

Visual Guide: Beak Adaptations in Finches

Three finch heads, each beside its food: hard seeds, a cactus flower and a beetle. Each label names the beak shape and its job.

Key questions

Four questions and answers, including why cacti have spines instead of broad leaves and how fossils help scientists.

How teachers use it

Beak challenge

Give groups tweezers, pegs and spoons as beaks and a tray of seeds and rice. Then match the best tool to each of the three finches.

Fossil handling

Pass round a real or replica ammonite while pupils read the fossil definition. The spiral icon beside the fourth big idea is the same shape.

Darwin writing

Before pupils write about Darwin and Wallace, ask them to use all six key words in their paragraph and tick each one off.

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