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G3: Past Life and Past Climates

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What does the fossil record show about evolution and mass extinctions?

The evidence for organic evolution from the fossil record (morphological change through time, transitional forms), the major patterns of the history of life, and the causes and consequences of mass extinctions, including the end-Permian and end-Cretaceous events.
A focused WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology G3 answer on the fossil evidence for organic evolution (morphological change through time and transitional forms), the broad history of life from the first cells to mammals, and the causes and effects of mass extinctions, focusing on the end-Permian and the end-Cretaceous events.
14 min answer →

How is past climate reconstructed from the rock and fossil record?

The use of lithological and palaeontological proxies (evaporites, coals, tillites, coral reefs, fossil assemblages) and isotopic and geochemical methods to reconstruct past climates, and the role of palaeoclimate evidence in confirming continental movement.
A focused WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology G3 answer on how past climates are reconstructed from lithological proxies (evaporites, coals, tillites, reef limestones), fossil assemblages and oxygen-isotope and geochemical methods, and how palaeoclimate indicators found in unexpected latitudes provide evidence for continental drift.
13 min answer →

How is the mode of life of a fossil organism deduced from its morphology?

The use of functional morphology to interpret the mode of life of fossil organisms (feeding, locomotion, environment), the concept of trace fossils and their value, and the use of fossil assemblages and adaptations to reconstruct past environments.
A focused WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology G3 answer on functional morphology, how the shape and structure of a fossil reveal its feeding, locomotion and environment, the value of trace fossils, and how fossil assemblages and adaptations are used to reconstruct ancient environments and ecological relationships.
13 min answer →