Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

The fossil in Figure 1 may have formed through a process where the snake was covered in sediment or mud. Over time, the soft parts of the snake would decay or be eaten, while the harder parts, like bones, would either not decay or would be preserved. Eventually, minerals could replace the bones, solidifying the structure into a fossil.

The Japanese rat snake evolved to adapt to the grassy environment in Japan, leading to its green coloration which helps in camouflage. In contrast, the Texas rat snake adapted to a dry and dusty environment, which resulted in a different coloration that helps it survive. This divergence illustrates how environmental pressures can shape the evolutionary paths of similar species.

A species might become extinct due to changes to the environment, such as habitat loss caused by deforestation or climate change, which affects their ability to survive.