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Determine the number of years both Andrewsarchus and Brontotherium existed together - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 8
Determine the number of years both Andrewsarchus and Brontotherium existed together. Time = ____________________ years.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Determine the number of years both Andrewsarchus and Brontotherium existed together - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Determine the Number of Years Both Andrewsarchus and Brontotherium Existed Together
Answer
To find the number of years both Andrewsarchus and Brontotherium existed together, we take the following steps:
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Identify the Existence Periods: Investigate the time period each species existed. Andrewsarchus existed from approximately 38,500,000 years ago to 36,000,000 years ago. Brontotherium, meanwhile, existed from around 37,000,000 years ago to 34,000,000 years ago.
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Determine the Overlap: The overlapping existence period starts at 37,000,000 years ago and ends at 36,000,000 years ago.
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Calculate the Overlap Duration: Subtract the end point of the overlap from the start point:
Therefore, the total number of years both Andrewsarchus and Brontotherium existed together is 2,000,000 years.
Step 2
The Oldest Fossils of Human Ancestors
Answer
The oldest fossils of human ancestors found in this area are 700,000 years old. Andrewsarchus was a carnivore and Brontotherium was a herbivore.
To suggest how the extinction of Andrewsarchus could have resulted in the extinction of Brontotherium, we analyze the ecological dynamics. The extinction of Andrewsarchus may have led to an increase in the herbivore population (Brontotherium), causing competition for food resources. With Brontotherium facing a decrease in available food due to overpopulation, this could have led to their extinction.
Step 3
Reasons Why the Fossil Record is Not Clear for Older Species
Answer
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Fossils Are Buried Deep: Older fossils are often buried deeper in the Earth's crust, making them harder to find.
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Erosion and Geological Activity: Fossils are more susceptible to destruction from geological events, such as erosion or earthquakes.
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Soft-bodied Organisms: Many of the oldest organisms were soft-bodied, leading to a low fossilization rate and limited fossil evidence for these species.
Step 4
Evaluate the Student's Statement
Answer
The student stated: 'The data in Figure 9 shows that humans caused mass extinctions.'
To evaluate this statement:
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Supporting Evidence: The data does show a decrease in certain large mammal species in areas where humans appeared, which suggests a correlation between human presence and species decline. However, it is crucial to note that correlation does not imply causation.
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Contrasting Evidence: It should also be considered that the decline in large mammals does not happen uniformly across all areas. There are regions where the decline is gradual or occurs prior to human presence, suggesting that other factors, such as climatic changes, could be influencing species survival.
In conclusion, while human activity might contribute to extinction in some regions, it is not universally applicable across all areas and should be assessed in the context of other environmental factors.
Step 5
Disadvantage and Advantage of Mass Extinction Events
Answer
Disadvantage: One major disadvantage of mass extinction events is the loss of potential future biodiversity. When numerous species are lost, the genetic diversity of the ecosystem is drastically reduced, affecting its resilience.
Advantage: On the other hand, mass extinction events can offer an opportunity for speciation. With the extinction of dominant species, new ecosystems can evolve, allowing for the emergence of new species and varieties that adapt to the changing environment.