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Question 4

From Biology HL Paper 2 (May 2024, TZ2)

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  1. Evolution occurs when heritable characteristics of a species change. The diagram shows an evolutionary chart of elephants.
An evolutionary chart showing different species of elephants and their ancestors across geological epochs, with time indicated at the bottom.
An evolutionary chart showing different species of elephants and their ancestors across geological epochs, with time indicated at the bottom.

(a) (i) Identify which species is most closely related to the Asian elephant. [1]

(ii) State the type of evolution that occurred with the elephants and their ancestors. [1]

(b) Charles Darwin observed differences in the beaks of several finch species on the Galapagos Islands.

Four diagrams of finch beaks, each labeled with a species name (G. magnirostris, G. fortis, G. parvula, C. olivacea), illustrating differences in beak morphology.
Four diagrams of finch beaks, each labeled with a species name (G. magnirostris, G. fortis, G. parvula, C. olivacea), illustrating differences in beak morphology.

(i) Outline the development of beak differences in these finches. [3]

(ii) All organisms of the same species have the same number of chromosomes. Describe the processes that maintain a constant chromosome number in new body cells of a growing organism. [3]

Textbook topics in this question

Review the exact course sections assessed by each question part.

Mixed-topic question
4(a)(i)11.3 Evidence for Evolution and Speciation
4(a)(ii)11.3 Evidence for Evolution and Speciation
4(b)(i)11.2 Selection, Gene Pools and Hardy–Weinberg11.4 Niches, Adaptation and Biodiversity
4(b)(ii)6.5 The Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Cancer