Edexcel GCSE Biology

Fossils & extinction

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Fossils & extinction. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 5 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 5)

  1. Question 1

    Which process is most likely to result in the formation of a fossil from an organism with soft tissues?

    • A) Rapid burial in sediment
    • B) Exposure to strong sunlight
    • C) Rapid decay by bacteria
    • D) Surface water weathering
    Show answer

    Answer: Rapid burial in sediment

    For fossils to form, the organism must be protected from aerobic decay and physical destruction. Rapid burial in sediment creates an anaerobic environment that preserves the structure long enough for mineralisation to occur.

  2. Question 2

    Why is the fossil record considered to be incomplete for early life forms?

    • A) Many early life forms were tiny
    • B) Soft-bodied organisms decay
    • C) Geological shifts destroy rocks
    • D) Most fossils are yet to form
    Show answer

    Answer: Soft-bodied organisms decay

    Fossilisation usually requires hard parts such as bones, teeth, or shells. Since many early organisms were soft-bodied, they decayed completely before they could be preserved in the rock record.

  3. Question 3

    What is the primary factor that causes the extinction of a species when a new predator is introduced to an isolated island?

    • A) Increased competition for food
    • B) Rapid decline in prey numbers
    • C) Lack of defensive adaptations
    • D) Loss of habitat for breeding
    Show answer

    Answer: Lack of defensive adaptations

    When an island species is exposed to a new predator, it often lacks the specific behavioural or physical traits required to evade capture. Because these adaptations are not present in the gene pool, the population often declines faster than natural selection can act.

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