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6.4 Classification of living organisms

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Question 3

An environmental survey records four organisms found during the restoration of a quarry. A research team is reviewing their classification and evolutionary tree.

OrganismStatusEvidence
JLivingIts outward structure is very similar to K. Its internal cell structures and molecules are most similar to those of L.
KLivingIts outward structure is very similar to J. Its internal cell structures and molecules differ greatly from those of J and L.
LLivingIts outward structure differs from J. Its internal cell structures and molecules are most similar to those of J.
MExtinctOnly fossil evidence is available. Its fossil features are most similar to the features of K.

The team proposes that:

  • J and K should remain in the same small classification group because their outward structures are similar
  • the branches for J and L should split from each other more recently than either splits from the branch for K
  • the position of the branch for M should be determined by chemical analysis of its molecules

Evaluate the team's three proposals. Explain how developments in science account for differences between conclusions based on outward appearance and current evidence, and justify how the evolutionary tree should be constructed.

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Markscheme

6.4 Classification of living organisms Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Biology
  3. /6.4 Classification of living organisms

81 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Biology 6.4 Classification of living organisms, covering 6.4 Classification of living organisms. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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