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The diagram shows rock layers containing a number of fossils - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 35 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 35
The diagram shows rock layers containing a number of fossils. A dating technique was used on this data alone to determine that the youngest fossil was in layer D. (... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows rock layers containing a number of fossils - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 35 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Name a different dating technique and describe how it could be used to verify this finding.
Answer
A different dating technique is absolute dating, which can determine the exact age of each fossil. This technique often uses methods such as carbon dating, where the decay of carbon-14 isotopes in organic materials is measured to establish an accurate age. By cross-referencing the results of absolute dating with the findings from the relative dating, the reliability of the chronological order of the fossils can be affirmed.
Step 3
Using these data and your knowledge of the characteristics of primate groups, explain why using different types of data improves the reliability of estimated evolutionary relationships.
Answer
The comparison of amino acid sequences in proteins among different primate species allows scientists to glean insights into the evolutionary connections between these groups.
For instance, the similarities in protein structures exhibit how closely related certain primates are based on shared characteristics. By using both molecular data (like amino acid sequences) and morphological data (such as skeletal structures), a more comprehensive picture of evolutionary relationships can be formulated.
For example, as seen in the table, humans and chimpanzees have a high level of similarity in their amino acid sequences, indicating a closer evolutionary history compared to more distantly related primates like prosimians. This multifaceted approach enhances the reliability of the evolutionary models being posited.