3.

2 Fossils and the evolution of life Questions and answers

Q1.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 Q1

List the major stages in the evolution of living things. Next to each stage, write a brief sentence about
its significance, giving an example in each case.

A1.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 A1

1. The formation of organic molecules: This stage is important because all living things are composed
of complex organic molecules, for example amino acids.
2. The development of membranes: This separated a group of molecules from the external
environment, providing protection and the ability to maintain itself as a separate entity, for example
liposomes.
3. The appearance of procaryotic cells: First cells, simplest early life-forms containing no membranebound nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, for example bacteria.
4. The appearance of eucaryotic organisms: More complex cell structure that included membranebound organelles such as the nucleus.
5. Colonial cells: These individual cells that continued to live and function as a group may have been
the ancestors of multicellular organisms, for example stromatolites.
6. Multicellular organisms: These organisms represent the most advanced of the life-forms, where cells
within the body show differentiation to carry out specific functions and the group of cells functions as a
coordinated unit, for example humans.

Q2.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 Q2

Describe two pieces of evidence that support the theory that life existed on Earth 3000 million years
ago.

A2.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 A2

Microfossils of single-celled anaerobic procaryotes appear in rocks dating to over 3000 million years
ago. Fossilised stromatolites, a kind of cyanobacteria, have been discovered in rocks that date to 3500
million years ago.

Q3.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 Q3

a
b

Define fossil.
Explain what the fossil record tells us about life in the past.

A3.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 A3

a
b

Fossils can be described as any preserved remains of organisms or evidence that organisms
existed.
The fossil record provides us with evidence that life has existed on Earth for millions of years,
that life-forms have been evolving or undergoing gradual change over time, and that there has
been a great diversity of living things present on Earth.

Q4.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 F4

a
b

Define the difference between oxic and anoxic conditions.

Explain the significance of the change from an anoxic atmosphere on Earth to an oxic one in the
evolution of organisms.

A4.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 FA4

Oxic conditions are conditions where oxygen is freely available in the atmosphere. Conversely,
anoxic conditions have a lack of oxygen.
3.2 Fossils and evolution QA
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The change in atmospheric conditions from anoxic to oxic was significant because it meant that
oxygen was now available in the atmosphere and this paved the way for the evolution of aerobic
organisms. Aerobic organisms were able to release energy more efficiently in cellular respiration
than anaerobic organisms. They thrived in the new conditions, giving rise to a much greater
diversity of life-forms than had existed in the anoxic conditions.

Q5.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 Q5

Explain why the development of photosynthesis was so important for the evolution of living things on
Earth.

A5.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 A5

Photosynthesis was an important development in the evolution of life on Earth because it changed
atmospheric conditions, using up carbon dioxide to make organic compounds that could be used by
other organisms, and releasing oxygen needed in abundance by aerobic organisms. Without
photosynthesis the number and diversity of aerobic life-forms could not have occurred. The increase in
photosynthesis that produced abundant atmospheric oxygen was also responsible for the development
of the ozone layer (composed of oxygen) high in the atmosphere. The ozone layer shielded the surface
of the Earth from potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation, in turn creating a more hospitable
environment for the evolution of life-forms.

Q6.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 Q6

Different cultures have different theories about the origins of life. Why do these often conflict with
developments in scientific knowledge?

A6.
Bk Ch3 S3.2 A6

Long before scientific theories were put forward to explain the evolution of life on Earth different
cultures had already tried to account for it. In the absence of any scientific knowledge or
understanding, different cultures developed their own ideas about the origins of life, and these were
often based on religious or spiritual beliefs. The relatively recent development of scientific ideas to
explain the origins of life are therefore often at odds with ancient beliefs.

3.2 Fossils and evolution QA

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