Variation, evolution, genetic engineering and classification

By the end you’ll be able to

• Describe genetic and environmental variation and explain how mutations create new variants, most of which have no effect on phenotype
• Explain evolution by natural selection, and evaluate the evidence from fossils and antibiotic-resistant bacteria; describe causes of extinction
• Describe selective breeding and genetic engineering (e.g. bacteria producing human insulin, GM crops), and evaluate their benefits and risks