Some students assume that a question on natural selection will guarantee them full marks. Most can recall lessons on the peppered moth and recognise the phrase ‘struggle for existence’. The problem is that remembering large swathes of text does not necessarily translate into an excellent answer. Consequently, most students miss a mark or two, and missed marks quickly add up.
Let us consider a question about human evolution and the development of lactose tolerance in Europeans (see Box 1). This is one of the best understood examples of natural selection in humans. Regardless of the context of the question, you should always tackle your answer in a systematic way. Do not forget to apply your understanding and relate your points to the information you have been given.
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