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Figure 1 shows the times when Homo sapiens and some of their ancestral species are thought to have lived - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 1
Figure 1 shows the times when Homo sapiens and some of their ancestral species are thought to have lived. (a) (i) Describe the evidence that scientists might have u... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 1 shows the times when Homo sapiens and some of their ancestral species are thought to have lived - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the evidence that scientists might have used to show that Ardipithecus ramidus inhabited the Earth earlier than Homo habilis.
Answer
Scientists could have examined the structural features of the Ardipithecus ramidus fossil. They might have noted that Ardipithecus ramidus had a smaller cranial capacity compared to Homo habilis, indicating a more primitive state. Furthermore, the fossil remains of Ardipithecus ramidus were likely found deeper in the rock layers than those of Homo habilis, providing geological evidence of its earlier existence.
Step 2
Explain which stone tool was most likely to be used by Homo erectus.
Answer
The stone tool used by Homo erectus is likely to be more sophisticated and worked than that of Homo habilis. The more advanced techniques seen in the tools attributed to Homo erectus suggest that they had the ability to create tools that were more effective for their needs.
Step 3
Describe how drought-resistant crop plants can be produced.
Answer
To produce drought-resistant crop plants, traditional breeding techniques can be employed to select plants that exhibit traits advantageous for survival in dry conditions. These selected plants are then cross-pollinated to create new generations that inherit the desired traits. Moreover, biotechnological methods such as genetic modification can introduce specific genes associated with drought resistance. The selected seeds from these plants are grown and the process is continued over several generations to ensure stability of the drought-resistant trait.