SSCE VCE Biology Genetic Diversity and Adaptations: Trilobites (Figure 6) are an ext

Question

Trilobites (Figure 6) are an extinct group of marine arthropods. They are a very well-studied group due to the abundance of fossils. Trilobites had a tough exoskeleton and bodies and legs divided into segments. They were distributed worldwide and occupied a range of habitats. They existed for almost 300 million years before becoming extinct around 250 million years ago.

**a.**

**i.** What structural feature improves the chances of a trilobite becoming a fossil?

**ii.** Suggest one other reason why trilobite fossils are abundant.

Trilobites are thought to be closely related to three other groups of fossil arthropods; helmets, tegetoplids and naraoids. The tegetoplids and helmets are the two most closely related groups. These two groups are more closely related to trilobites than they are to naraoids. The diagram below illustrates the evolutionary relationships between these four groups.

**b.** Write the names of these four groups in the boxes at the top of the diagram below so that the evolutionary relationships between them are consistent with the information provided.

**c.** Suggest one reason why all species of trilobites became extinct.

Trilobites (Figure 6) are an extinct group of marine arthropods - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2003 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Trilobites (Figure 6) are an extinct group of marine arthropods - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2003 - Paper 1

What structural feature improves the chances of a trilobite becoming a fossil?

Suggest one other reason why trilobite fossils are abundant.

Write the names of these four groups in the boxes at the top of the diagram.

Suggest one reason why all species of trilobites became extinct.

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