Biotic and Abiotic Selection Pressures
Give one example of a biotic selection pressure in an intertidal rock pool.
Predation by (
What does 'population change' mean in biology?
Alteration in size or genetic makeup over time.
Define 'adaptation' in biology.
A feature that helps survival and reproduction.
Name one type of fossil that supports evolution.
Archaeopteryx fossil.
Who is credited with proposing the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
What is speciation?
Formation of a new species.
Define convergent evolution.
Unrelated species develop similar traits.
What does “punctuated equilibrium” mean?
Long stability, short rapid change.
Name one type of scientific evidence for evolution.
DNA analysis.
Give one modern example of evolution in action.
Peppered moth colour changes.Bacteria and antibiotic resistance.
State the difference between a biotic and abiotic selection pressure.
Biotic = living factors; Abiotic = non-living factors.
Describe one way a predator can cause a change in prey population.
Reduces numbers of less camouflaged prey.
Give an example of a structural adaptation in a marine animal.
Thick shells in limpets.
Explain how homologous structures support the theory of evolution.
Same bone arrangement shows common ancestry.
State the main idea behind natural selection.
Best-adapted individuals survive and reproduce.
Name one way populations can become isolated.
Mountain range forms.
Define divergent evolution.
Related species become more different.
How does punctuated equilibrium differ from gradualism?
Gradualism = slow, steady change.
Describe how DNA sequences can show evolutionary relationships.
More similarities = closer relationship.
Explain how antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of evolution.
Resistant bacteria survive and reproduce.
Explain how temperature can act as an abiotic selection pressure on organisms in the intertidal zone.
Extreme heat may stress organisms, reducing reproduction rates.
Predict how a sudden increase in disease might alter population size and genetic diversity.
Only drought-tolerant plants survive and reproduce.
Explain the difference between behavioural and physiological adaptations.
Behavioural = actions; Physiological = internal processes.
Describe how transitional fossils provide evidence for evolution.
Show features of both ancestral and modern groups.
Explain how variation within a species is important for natural selection.
Increases chances some survive environmental change.
Explain how geographic isolation can lead to the formation of a new species.
Prevents gene flow; populations evolve differently.
Give one example of convergent evolution in nature.
Dolphin and shark streamlined bodies.
Explain why the fossil record supports punctuated equilibrium in some cases.
Sudden appearance of new forms in layers.
Explain how analogous structures differ from homologous structures in evolutionary evidence.
Analogous = same function, different origin; Homologous = same origin, different function.
Describe how climate change is driving evolutionary changes in some species.
Polar bears with smaller body mass in warmer Arctic.
Predict what might happen to a population if a major predator is introduced to an ecosystem.
Prey population likely decreases; some individuals may adapt or migrate.
Explain how a drought can lead to changes in a plant population over time.
Susceptible individuals die; resistant genes become more common.
Describe how a physiological adaptation can help an organism survive in extreme heat.
Producing heat-shock proteins to prevent cell damage.
Explain how comparative embryology supports common ancestry.
Similar early development suggests shared origin.
Describe how natural selection can lead to the development of a new trait in a population.
Advantageous mutations spread through reproduction.
Compare allopatric and sympatric speciation.
Allopatric = separate locations; Sympatric = same location.
Compare the environmental conditions that lead to convergent vs. divergent evolution.
Similar habitats lead to convergence; different habitats lead to divergence.
Predict what environmental events might cause punctuated equilibrium.
Volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, climate shifts.
Describe how vestigial structures provide evidence for evolution.
Reduced or unused features show evolutionary history.
Compare the evolutionary changes in two modern species.
Cane toads evolving longer legs; mosquitoes developing pesticide resistance.
How can competition for food influence species survival?
Competition reduces resources, while pH change may kill sensitive species, favouring tolerant ones.
How can both mutation and natural selection change a population's characteristics over time?
Mutations create variation; selection favours beneficial traits.
Assess how multiple adaptations can work together to improve an organism’s survival chances.
Camouflage plus speed increases predator escape chances.
Evaluate the strength of molecular evidence compared to fossil evidence in supporting evolution.
DNA gives detailed relationships; fossils give physical history.
Analyse how environmental changes can drive natural selection over time.
New conditions favour different traits over time.
Analyse how reproductive isolation contributes to speciation.
Prevents interbreeding, solidifying species differences.
Evaluate the role of convergent evolution in producing similar traits in unrelated species.
Produces analogous traits for similar functions.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of punctuated equilibrium as an explanation for evolution.
Explains gaps in fossil record; less detail on gradual changes.
Evaluate the reliability of different evidence types in constructing evolutionary trees.
Combining evidence types gives strongest conclusions.
Analyse how human activity is influencing the rate and direction of evolution today.
Pollution, hunting, and habitat change speeding evolution.