Natural selection and inherited variation worksheets for Grade 7 Science explore how differences within a population influence survival, reproduction, and evolution over generations. Through a beetle population example, students investigate how predators can act as selection pressures and why inherited traits may become more or less common as environmental conditions affect reproductive success.

From inherited differences to population change

The informational reading passage introduces natural selection using beetles with different shell colours living on dark soil. Students examine why birds may spot brighter beetles more easily and how darker beetles may consequently survive and produce more offspring. This example connects inherited variation to differential survival and reproduction, helping students explain how populations change over time.

A key concept is that individual organisms do not develop inherited traits simply because they need them. Instead, natural selection affects which inherited traits are passed to future generations through differences in reproductive success. Students also consider how scientists use observations, comparisons, and population models to investigate these changes and compare predictions with evidence.

Scientific reasoning and evolution practice

This Grade 7 evolution resource moves from identifying scientific concepts to applying them to population scenarios. Students respond to multiple-choice questions, true-or-false statements, short-answer prompts, a labelled-diagram activity, a categorization task, and a short-note activity.

The written responses are particularly useful for assessing whether students can explain the effects of selection pressures, predict changes in the frequency of inherited shell colours over several generations, and describe how observations or models can help investigate natural selection. Students must connect their predictions to the stated environmental pressure rather than simply identify a definition.

Across the activities, learners practise these specific skills:

• Describe inherited variation within a population of the same species.
• Identify predators and other environmental influences as potential selection pressures.
• Explain how differences in survival and reproduction affect inherited traits.
• Predict how trait frequency may change over generations.
• Use observations and population models to investigate natural selection.
• Compare scientific predictions with observations and supporting evidence.

Resources included for teachers and students

• Printable science worksheet covering natural selection, inherited variation, selection pressures, and evolution.
• Separate PDF answer key for checking student responses.
• Teacher Guide included in the answer key PDF, with Learning Objectives, Teaching Tips, Discussion Questions, and Common Mistakes.
• Student Notes lines at the bottom of the worksheet for recording important concepts.

Use it during a diversity and evolution unit

Use this natural selection practice after introducing inherited traits and variation, as guided practice when discussing survival and reproduction, or as independent classwork to review how populations change over time. The beetle example gives students a consistent scenario to revisit as they identify selection pressures, predict population changes, and justify their reasoning. It can also support review discussions about the difference between changes in individual organisms and changes in inherited trait frequencies across generations.

The resource names British Columbia (BC) as its curriculum framework. It does not specify an official curriculum code. With the answer key and teacher guidance provided separately from the student worksheet, teachers have materials for checking responses, preparing discussion, and addressing common misconceptions about natural selection.