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6.4 Classification of living organisms

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Question 4

Four living species of fungus, K, L, M and N, were classified using their structures and characteristics.

SpeciesGenusFamilyOrder
KArviaArviaceaeLuminiales
LArviaArviaceaeLuminiales
MBrennaSerrataceaeLuminiales
NSerrataSerrataceaeLuminiales

Scientists are considering two proposals for the evolutionary relationships between the species.

  • Proposal 1: K and L have the most recent common ancestor. M and N also have the most recent common ancestor.
  • Proposal 2: K and M have the most recent common ancestor. L and N also have the most recent common ancestor.

Scientists then use chemical analysis to compare the same section of DNA from each species.

Species comparedNumber of differences in the DNA section
K and L31
M and N29
K and M8
L and N9

Fewer differences in the DNA section indicate a closer evolutionary relationship.

Evaluate which proposal is better supported by all the evidence.

[5]
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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