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Biology (Edexcel Higher)
Fossil evidence, selective breeding and explaining evolution

Starter quiz

  • Match each term to the correct definition.
    • ancestors
      ⇔
      organisms from which current, living organisms are descended ✓
    • evolution
      ⇔
      changes in the characteristics of a species over many generations ✓
    • growth and development
      ⇔
      changes in an individual organism during its lifetime ✓
    • variation
      ⇔
      differences between living individuals of the same species ✓
  • What is the fossil record?
    • All the fossils ever found and their ages.  ✓
    • The habitat where a fossil is discovered.
    • The mineralised remains of a single dead organism.
    • The rock in which a fossil is contained.
  • These fossils are part of the fossil record. They are all evolutionary ancestors of the modern whale. Starting with the earliest ancestor, sort them into order. End with the most recent ancestor.
    These fossils are part of the fossil record. They are all evolutionary ancestors of the modern whale. Starting with the earliest ancestor, sort them into order. End with the most recent ancestor.
    • 1
      ⇔
      Indohyus
    • 2
      ⇔
      Pakicetus
    • 3
      ⇔
      Ambulocetus
    • 4
      ⇔
      Dorudon
  • Which statements are true?
    Which statements are true?
    • A fossil proves that all members of the species looked exactly the same.
    • Fossils show us exactly what the living organisms looked like.
    • From a fossil we get evidence of an organism’s size, shape and body structures.  ✓
    • Most fossils are complete and intact when they are found.
    • Scientists must use their judgement/ imagination to interpret fossil evidence.  ✓
  • Who explains why there are gaps in the fossil record?
    • Andeep: “There are many fossils out there which we haven’t yet found.”
      Andeep: “There are many fossils out there which we haven’t yet found.”  ✓
    • Jun: “We have only found fossils from the past 10 thousand years.”
      Jun: “We have only found fossils from the past 10 thousand years.”
    • Sam: “It’s rare for organisms to become fossils. Conditions aren’t often right.”
      Sam: “It’s rare for organisms to become fossils. Conditions aren’t often right.”  ✓
    • Sofia: “Plants, fungi and bacteria can’t be turned into fossils.”
      Sofia: “Plants, fungi and bacteria can’t be turned into fossils.”
  • How does the fossil record provide evidence for evolution?
    • It shows how many species there have ever been.
    • It shows how the features of species have changed over time.  ✓
    • It shows similarities and differences between organisms now and from the past.  ✓
    • It shows that some species are now extinct.
    • It shows where organisms used to live.
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