FreeScienceLessons · AQA BiologyEvidence for Evolution: Fossils
Key facts
Evidence for evolution — fill in the table
Evidence
What it shows
Fossil record
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Similarities in DNA and protein sequences
Comparative anatomy
Darwin vs Lamarck — fill in the table
Point
Detail
Lamarck's theory
Why Lamarck was wrong
Darwin's theory
Publication
Exam questions — 3 questions · 11 marks
⚡ Extended questions included. Read the hint. Write in full sentences. AI marks against the AQA mark scheme.
1 markLamarck vs DarwinAQA 8461 style
How does Darwin's explanation of the giraffe's long neck differ from Lamarck's?
A Darwin argued giraffes with longer necks ate more food during their lifetime and this made their necks grow longer
B Darwin argued that there was variation in neck length; giraffes with longer necks could reach more food, survived better, and passed on alleles for longer necks to offspring
C Darwin argued that all giraffes evolved short necks and then all grew longer necks at the same time
Why is antibiotic resistance in bacteria considered evidence for evolution?
A It shows that bacteria can deliberately change their DNA to resist antibiotics
B It demonstrates natural selection occurring: resistant bacteria survive, reproduce and pass on resistance alleles, increasing the frequency of resistance in the population
C It proves that Lamarck's theory of acquired characteristics is correct
D It shows that antibiotics are becoming less potent over time
4 marksWhy the fossil record is incompleteAQA 8461 style
Explain why the fossil record does not give us complete evidence for evolution. (3 marks)
Hint: Cover: soft bodies don't preserve, specific conditions needed, fossils destroyed over time, rare process → gaps in the record.