Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification, with mark schemes. Covers measuring biodiversity, the Hardy-Weinberg equation, adaptation, natural selection and classification.
Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources, including Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
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Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification
This part of Topic 4 explains how biodiversity is measured and how species evolve and are classified.
What you need to know
- Biodiversity Species richness, genetic diversity and the index of diversity. Endemism matters for conservation.
- Hardy-Weinberg p + q = 1 and p² + 2pq + q² = 1 estimate allele and genotype frequencies.
- Adaptation and natural selection Anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations arise by natural selection of advantageous alleles.
- Classification Domains and the three-domain system, and how molecular evidence and peer review update classification.
Common mistakes in Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification
- Confusing species richness with species evenness.
- Getting p and q mixed up.
- Saying organisms adapt deliberately during their lifetime.
Try three Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification exam-style questions
1. In a population, the frequency of the recessive allele is 0.3. Calculate the frequency of heterozygotes. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
p = 0.7 (1); 2pq = 2 x 0.7 x 0.3 = 0.42 (1).
2. Explain how natural selection leads to adaptation. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Variation exists due to mutation (1); individuals with advantageous alleles survive and reproduce more (1); the allele frequency increases over generations (1).
3. Explain why molecular data has changed classification. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Comparing DNA or protein sequences shows relatedness more accurately (1), which has led to the three-domain system (1).
Topic 4: Biodiversity, Adaptation and Classification FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 4 cover?
Biodiversity measures, Hardy-Weinberg, adaptation, natural selection and classification.
Which paper tests Topic 4?
Papers 1 and 3.
Do I need the index of diversity formula?
Yes, and be able to compare habitats using it.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
