1. Name the theory proposed by Charles Darwin.
Answer
The theory of evolution by natural selection.
2. Which scientist developed a theory that changes that occur in an organism during its lifetime can be inherited ?
Answer
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
3. What does it mean when a species is extinct ?
Answer
There are no remaining individuals of a species still alive.
4. Describe some ways that fossils may be formed.
Answer
Fossils may form as preserved traces of organisms, such as footprints, burrows, and rootlet traces; from parts of organisms that have not decayed because one or more of the conditions needed for decay are absent; or when parts of the organism are replaced by minerals during decay.
5. Describe Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
Answer
Individual organisms within a particular species show a wide range of variation for a characteristic. Individuals with characteristics most suited to the environment are more likely to survive to breed successfully. The characteristics that have enabled these individuals to survive are then passed on to the next generation.
6. Describe Lamarck's theory of evolution.
Answer
Changes that occur in an organism during its lifetime can be passed on to their offspring.
7. MRSA strains of bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. Explain how MRSA developed antibiotic resistance.
Answer
Mutations occur in bacterial pathogens and new strains are produced. Some of the new strains are resistant to antibiotics, and so are not killed. The resistant strain survives and reproduces, so the population of the resistant strain rises.
8. Scientists are trying to develop new antibiotics, but cannot do this quickly enough to keep up with the emergence of new resistant strains. Explain why.
Answer
Bacteria reproduce at a fast rate, so they can evolve rapidly and develop resistance to antibiotics. The development of new antibiotics is very expensive and takes a long time.
9. Explain how a fossil of a finch could form.
Answer
The finch would die and be covered with a layer of sand/silt/mud/ sediment. The soft parts of the finch would decay and the hard parts of the finch (bones and beak) would be replaced by minerals.
10. How could scientists find out if the two groups of finches are the same species ?
Answer
Interbreed the two groups of finches and see if they produce fertile offspring.