Evolution

Question 1

Demonstrate an understanding of how speciation occurs as a result of geographic isolation.

Answer 1

Speciation: formation of new species, such as when populations of a species are separated geographically and evolve until they are no longer capable of interbreeding.
Different environmental conditions varies, different birds of the same species will adapt differently in different areas, so will soon not be able to interbreed with each other.

Question 2

Explain how new evidence from DNA research and the emergence of resistant organisms support Darwin’s theory

Answer 2

Warfarin is a chemical that was used to poison rats in the 1940s and 1950s, at first rats that ate it died within a few days. Within 10 years most rats were resistant to warfarin and not affected by it. Only resistant ones could interbreed.
Genetic evidence: Inter relationships between species.

Question 3

Demonstrate an understanding of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection

Answer 3

Individuals in a species show a wide range of variation.
This variation is because of differences in genes.
Individuals with characteristics most suited to the environment in which they live are more likely to survive and reproduce.
The genes that allowed the individuals to be successful are passed to the offspring in the next generation.