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(a) (i) State a feature that is used to classify humans as Homo - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 34 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 34
(a) (i) State a feature that is used to classify humans as Homo. (ii) Outline the difficulties of interpreting data from fossils. (b) Construct a key to identify o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) (i) State a feature that is used to classify humans as Homo - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 34 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Outline the difficulties of interpreting data from fossils.
Answer
Interpreting data from fossils presents several challenges:
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Incomplete Fossil Record: Fossils are often incomplete and do not represent the full picture of organismal diversity.
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Bias in Fossilization: Fossilization occurs under specific conditions, making certain species more likely to be found than others.
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Contextual Interpretation: The context in which a fossil is found may alter its interpretation; stratigraphy and sediment type play crucial roles.
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Degradation Over Time: Fossils can break down or alter chemically over time, which can lead to misinterpretations of morphology and lineage.
Step 3
Construct a key to identify old world monkeys, apes, new world monkeys and prosimians using observable characteristics.
Answer
Identification Key:
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Does the primate have a tail?
- Yes: Go to 2.
- No: Go to 3.
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Is the nose flat with widely spaced nostrils? (New World Monkey)
- Yes: New World Monkey
- No: Old World Monkey
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Is the brain size larger and is there no external tail?
- Yes: Go to 4.
- No: Prosimians
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Does it show complex social behavior? (Apes)
- Yes: Ape
- No: Prosimians
Step 4
Demonstrate how applications of the Human Genome Project could affect future trends in human biological evolution.
Answer
The Human Genome Project (HGP) has significant implications for future trends in human biological evolution:
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Understanding Genetic Disorders: By mapping the human genome, researchers can identify genetic variants associated with diseases, leading to better prevention and treatment strategies.
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Personalized Medicine: Advances in genomics facilitate personalized medicine, allowing treatments to be tailored to individual genetic profiles.
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Evolutionary Insights: The data obtained can provide insights into human evolutionary history, revealing how certain genes have adapted over time in response to environmental pressures.
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Ethical Considerations: As genetic technologies advance, ethical considerations regarding gene editing and its impacts on human evolution must be addressed.
Overall, the applications of the HGP can steer human evolution both biologically and culturally by influencing health and societal norms.