Science>Year 10>Unit 1>Checkpoint 3

Checkpoint 3

This checkpoint tests Block C: diversity of life, natural selection, evidence for evolution from fossils, anatomy, molecular biology and biogeography, and speciation through isolation.

SC5-GEV-01Lessons 11-1510 MC3 Short AnswerCheckpoint 3 of 4
CP3

Coverage

This checkpoint assesses your understanding of evolutionary theory, the mechanism of natural selection, and the multiple lines of evidence that support it.

Lesson 11

Diversity of life, classification systems, and evolution as the unifying theory of biology.

Lesson 12

Natural selection: variation, overproduction, competition, differential survival and reproduction.

Lesson 13

Evidence from fossils and comparative anatomy (homologous, analogous, vestigial structures).

Lesson 14

Molecular and biogeographical evidence, plus antibiotic resistance as observable evolution.

Lesson 15

Speciation and isolation: how new species form over time.

Checkpoint Standard This checkpoint expects you to explain natural selection as a mechanism and connect multiple evidence lines to support the theory of evolution.
MC Score
0 / 10
SA Score
0 / 12
Multiple Choice
Q

Test Your Understanding

UnderstandBand 3

1. Which statement best describes the theory of evolution?

AAll organisms were created in their current form and have never changed
BSpecies change over time through natural selection acting on genetic variation
CIndividual organisms choose to adapt their bodies to suit their environment
DEvolution only happens in animals, not in plants or bacteria
UnderstandBand 4

2. In natural selection, what determines which individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce?

AThe organisms that try hardest to survive
BThe largest organisms in the population
CThe organisms with traits best suited to their environment
DRandom chance alone, with no influence from traits
UnderstandBand 3

3. Homologous structures are evidence for evolution because they:

AHave the same underlying bone structure but different functions, suggesting common ancestry
BLook identical and perform identical functions in all species
CAre only found in fossil organisms, not living species
DProve that all species will eventually become identical
UnderstandBand 3

4. What does molecular evidence (DNA and protein comparisons) tell us about evolution?

AAll species have completely different DNA with no similarities
BOnly closely related species share any DNA sequences
CDNA evidence contradicts the fossil record
DSpecies with more similar DNA sequences are likely to share a more recent common ancestor
ApplyBand 4

5. In a population of moths, dark-coloured moths survive better in polluted industrial areas because they are camouflaged against soot-covered trees. Light-coloured moths survive better in clean rural areas. This is an example of:

AArtificial selection by humans
BNatural selection acting on existing variation
CMoths choosing to change their colour
DRandom extinction with no pattern
UnderstandBand 4

6. What is speciation?

AThe process by which all members of a species become identical
BThe extinction of an entire species
CThe formation of a new species from an existing species
DThe migration of a species to a new continent
UnderstandBand 3

7. Which of the following is a vestigial structure in humans?

AThe appendix
BThe heart
CThe brain
DThe liver
ApplyBand 4

8. Australian marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas and Tasmanian devils are found almost nowhere else in the world. This distribution pattern is best explained by:

AMarsupials were created only in Australia
BAll other continents are too cold for marsupials
CMarsupials can only eat Australian plants
DAustralia's long isolation allowed marsupials to diversify without competition from placental mammals
UnderstandBand 4

9. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is considered evidence for evolution because:

ABacteria deliberately choose to become resistant
BResistant bacteria survive antibiotic treatment and pass their resistance genes to offspring, changing the population over time
CAntibiotics cause bacteria to develop completely new DNA sequences instantly
DAll bacteria are naturally resistant to all antibiotics
AnalyseBand 5

10. A population of beetles lives on a green island. A rare mutation produces a few red beetles. Birds preferentially eat the red beetles because they are more visible. After many generations, almost all beetles are green. Which statement best explains this?

AThe green beetles learned to hide better
BThe red beetles decided to leave the island
CGreen beetles had higher survival and reproductive success, so the green allele became more common in the population
DThe birds taught the beetles to be green
Short Answer
✍

Short Answer Questions

UnderstandBand 3

11. Describe the process of natural selection using the following key terms: variation, competition, survival, reproduction and inheritance. 4 MARKS

Answer in your book — use all five terms.
ApplyBand 4

12. Explain how both fossil evidence and molecular evidence support the theory of evolution. Give one specific example of each type of evidence. 4 MARKS

Write your answer with examples in your book.
AnalyseBand 5

13. Explain how geographical isolation can lead to speciation. In your answer, explain why isolated populations may evolve into separate species over time. 4 MARKS

Write a structured explanation in your book.

Review & Reflect

✓ I can explain...

  • The theory of evolution by natural selection
  • How variation, competition and inheritance drive change
  • Fossil, anatomical and molecular evidence
  • How speciation occurs through isolation
  • Why Australian marsupials are unique

⚠ I need to review...

  • The difference between homologous and analogous structures
  • How molecular clocks work conceptually
  • The difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation
  • How antibiotic resistance demonstrates evolution
  • Why evolution is a theory in the scientific sense

Mark checkpoint as complete

Tick when you have finished all questions and reviewed your answers.

Module overview · Science subject page · Next checkpoint · Unit quiz