| Date | May 2012 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 12M.1.SL.TZ1.22 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
| Command term | Deduce | Question number | 22 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The Atlantic cod (Gadus callarias) is a fish which lays about 5 000 000 eggs in its lifetime. On average, only two of these eggs survive to become adult cod. How does this promote evolution?
A. All offspring are genetically identical, so become better adapted.
B. Laying many eggs provides food for other species to survive and become better adapted.
C. Some young cod change to become adapted to the environment and survive and pass on their genes.
D. Offspring with favourable variations survive and pass on their genes.
Markscheme
D
Examiners report
This question was testing candidates' ability to apply their knowledge about evolution. Many chose option C, which is describing Lamarkism and so is good distracter statement.
