Year 10 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 13

Evidence for Evolution, Fossils and Anatomy

Challenge Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Evaluate the fossil record as evidence for evolution, including its strengths and limitations.
Assess whether evolutionary theory could be supported without transitional fossils.
Synthesise multiple lines of anatomical and fossil evidence into a coherent argument.

Go Deeper

What if…?

Scenario

Imagine that no transitional fossils had ever been found, not Tiktaalik, not Archaeopteryx, not any intermediate form between any two groups. The entire fossil record existed, but showed only abrupt appearances of new species with no connecting forms. Scientists debated whether evolution could still be supported with the other evidence available.

(a) Without transitional fossils, what other lines of evidence would still support the theory of evolution? Name at least three and briefly explain each.

Challenge 3 marks

(b) Evaluate the fossil record as evidence for evolution. What are its greatest strengths and its most significant limitations?

Challenge 4 marks

Show What You Know

1. A student says: "Gaps in the fossil record prove that evolution did not happen." Identify the error in this reasoning and explain why gaps are expected.

Challenge 3 marks

2. The human forelimb, whale flipper, bat wing and horse leg all contain the same bones arranged in the same order. Explain how this pattern supports evolution and name the specific type of evidence this represents.

Challenge 3 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?