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A student was investigating evolutionary relationships between humans and other primates - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 31 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 31
A student was investigating evolutionary relationships between humans and other primates. The diagram models the data collected. **Chromosome 5 in apes and humans**... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student was investigating evolutionary relationships between humans and other primates - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 31 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Identify THREE ways in which this model is useful in showing evolutionary relationships.
Answer
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Genetic Similarity: The model can highlight similarities in genetic sequences between humans and other primates, indicating common ancestry.
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Divergence Points: It can illustrate divergence points in evolutionary history, showing when different species branched off from common ancestors.
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Comparative Analysis: The model allows for comparative analysis across different species, making it easier to identify evolutionary adaptations.
Step 3
Outline ONE feature for any TWO of the following groups into which humans are classified.
Answer
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Primate: One feature of primates is their forward-facing eyes, which provide binocular vision, allowing for depth perception.
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Hominid: A feature of hominids is their larger brain size relative to body size, which is associated with advanced cognitive abilities.
Step 4
Discuss the difficulty of interpreting the past using only fossil records.
Answer
Interpreting the past using only fossil records is challenging for several reasons:
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Incomplete Record: The fossil record is often incomplete, as not all organisms are fossilized or discovered, leading to gaps in understanding evolutionary history.
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Environmental Factors: Fossilization is influenced by environmental conditions, which can affect the preservation of certain species over others. This means certain lineages may be underrepresented.
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Interpretation Limitations: Fossils can be difficult to interpret accurately, as they provide limited information about the behavior, ecology, and physiology of extinct species. Reconstructions are often educated guesses based on available evidence.