Question 1
1 markA large population of a single species is split into two separate populations by the formation of a new mountain range. Over time, these populations become reproductively isolated. What type of speciation has occurred?
Oxford AQA International A-level · Biology (9610)
Evolution may lead to speciation: Practice Questions
4 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Evolution may lead to speciation.
9 questions20 marksFree, no account
Question 2
1 markA small population of lizards was geographically isolated on an island after a rise in sea level. Over many generations, the island population became a distinct species from the mainland population. Which statement best explains why allopatric speciation occurred in this scenario?
Question 3
1 markA population of snails shows a range of shell thicknesses. In an environment with a new predator that can easily crush thin shells, but finds very thick shells difficult to handle, the frequency of the allele for thick shells increases over several generations.
What type of selection and evolutionary change is this most likely to represent?
Question 4
1 markIn a study of two closely related species of birds living in the same forest, it was observed that they remain distinct species because they have different mating calls, despite being physically capable of producing fertile offspring. This is an example of sympatric speciation.
Which of the following processes is most likely to lead to the accumulation of these genetic differences in a sympatric population?
Question 5
2 marksIn a population of birds, some individuals possess a beak shape that allows them to crack harder seeds. Explain how natural selection results in a change in the frequency of this allele during a period of drought when only hard seeds are available.
Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.
Question 6
3 marksExplain how reproductive separation in a population of snails living on a single island could lead to the accumulation of different alleles in two distinct gene pools without the presence of a physical barrier.
Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.
Question 7
5 marksCompare and contrast allopatric speciation and sympatric speciation, specifically identifying the primary isolating mechanism for each.
Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.
Question 8
2 marksNew species can arise through the process of speciation.
(a) Define the term sympatric speciation.
(b) State the primary requirement for allopatric speciation to occur.
Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.
Question 9
4 marksA researcher is studying two populations of the same species of wildflower that are separated by a wide desert.
(a) Explain how genetic drift might lead to these two populations becoming different species, even if the environmental conditions in both locations are identical.
(b) Describe how reproductive separation eventually leads to the formation of a new species.
Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.
* The content provided by thinka is generated by AI and may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Please use it as a supplementary resource and verify with official materials.
You've seen the model answer. Now get yours marked.
This page can show you how a good answer looks. It cannot tell you what your answer was missing. thinka marks your written work against the real mark scheme in about 15 seconds.
Want more questions like these? Get a fresh set on this topic, marked as you go.
Practise More