Practise 37 exam-style questions on Evolution for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
37 questions
1–4 marks each
Instant marking
No sign-up needed
20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
2 marks
Define mutation and state its role in evolution.
Model answer
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence. Mutations create new alleles that provide raw material for evolution and natural selection.
Explanation
Mutations introduce genetic novelty; if they affect phenotype and fitness, selection may change their frequency in populations.
Mark scheme
1 mark
change in DNA sequence / gene / chromosome
1 mark
creates new alleles / genetic variation that selection can act on
Question 2
2 marks
Give two testable predictions you would expect if two island populations are undergoing allopatric speciation.
Model answer
Predictions: (1) Genetic divergence between populations with unique alleles; (2) reproductive isolation (reduced/intermediate hybrid fitness) if brought together.
Explanation
Allopatric speciation predicts genetic and reproductive divergence due to isolation and independent evolution.
Mark scheme
1 mark
genetic divergence / different allele frequencies / unique alleles
1 mark
reproductive isolation (reduced hybrid fitness / no interbreeding) if contacted
Question 3
3 marks
Explain how human activities can accelerate evolutionary changes in wild populations (give two examples).
Model answer
Example 1: Pollution creates new selection pressures (e.g., industrial melanism). Example 2: Pesticide/antibiotic use selects for resistant pests/pathogens. Both lead to rapid allele frequency changes because strong selection removes susceptible genotypes.
Explanation
Human-induced environmental changes often create intense selection pressures, causing fast evolutionary responses in affected populations.
Mark scheme
1 mark
example of activity: pollution / habitat change / climate change / introduction of invasive species / overfishing / hunting / pesticides / antibiotics
Any valid example.
1 mark
how it accelerates evolution: imposes strong selection that rapidly changes allele frequencies
1 mark
second example (different) with brief explanation (e.g., pesticides ? resistant insects)
Question 4
4 marks
Describe how antibiotic use in farming can contribute to antibiotic resistance problems in human pathogens.
Model answer
Using antibiotics in livestock selects for resistant bacteria in animals. Resistant bacteria can transfer to humans directly or via food and the environment. Resistance genes can spread to human pathogens by horizontal gene transfer, making infections harder to treat.
Explanation
Farm antibiotic use creates reservoirs of resistance; gene movement spreads resistance to human pathogens, reducing antibiotic effectiveness.
Mark scheme
1 mark
antibiotic use selects for resistant bacteria in animals
1 mark
resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans via contact, food or environment
1 mark
resistance genes can move between bacteria by horizontal gene transfer
Accept plasmid transfer / conjugation.
1 mark
makes human infections harder to treat
Ready to try the rest? Every answer you write is marked against the mark scheme, so you can see exactly where the marks are.
Ctrl + Enter to check
AI TutorHints first, answers after you try
Hi! Stuck? Ask me for a hint and I’ll help you work it out. Once you’ve checked your answer I can explain exactly where the marks are.
