Natural selection and cell division come together in this Grade 9 Science resource on biological diversity, helping students connect inherited characteristics with how organisms grow, reproduce, and change across generations. Students examine DNA, genes, and chromosomes, compare mitosis and meiosis, and distinguish natural selection from selective breeding and genetic technologies.

Connect genetics to biological diversity

The reading passage introduces how DNA stores inherited information, how genes and chromosomes relate to characteristics, and how genetic information passes from parents to offspring. Students then explore the different outcomes of mitosis and meiosis, including the role of mitosis in growth and tissue repair and the contribution of meiosis to sexual reproduction and genetic variation.

Natural selection is presented through inherited differences within populations and their effects on survival or reproduction. Students contrast this process with selective breeding, where people choose organisms with desired characteristics, and consider how genetic technologies can create opportunities as well as questions about safety, fairness, and environmental consequences.

Practice scientific reasoning

The worksheet combines a reading passage with multiple-choice questions, true-or-false statements, short-answer responses, a labeled diagram, a categorizing activity, and a short-note task. These activities give students opportunities to recall key ideas, explain biological relationships, compare cell division processes, interpret examples of selection, and communicate scientific reasoning.

Questions also ask students to consider how evidence and uncertainty support responsible decisions about genetic technologies. Rather than treating genetics as a collection of definitions, the resource connects biological concepts with examples and decisions that require careful evaluation.

What is included

• Science worksheet focused on Grade 9 biological diversity, genetics, cell division, and selection.
• Student Notes lines at the bottom of the worksheet for recording key ideas.
• Separate Answer Key PDF for checking student responses.
• Teacher Guide included in the Answer Key PDF, with Learning Objectives, Teaching Tips, Discussion Questions, and Common Mistakes.

Ways to use this resource

Use this Grade 9 biology worksheet during a lesson on inherited characteristics, as guided practice after introducing mitosis and meiosis, or as independent review of natural selection and selective breeding. The reading passage can support initial instruction, while the varied response tasks let students demonstrate their understanding in different ways. The Teacher Guide provides prompts for discussion and highlights common misunderstandings to address during instruction or review.

Designed for the Alberta Grade 9 Science context, this resource brings genetics, reproduction, and biological diversity into one focused learning experience. It also gives teachers a practical way to revisit essential vocabulary and encourage evidence-based discussion about the responsible use of genetic technologies.