Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Evolution

Evolution — practice question

The Ethiopian wolf, Canis simensis, belongs to the Canidae family of carnivores. Fig. 1.1 shows one Ethiopian wolf.
(a)[1]

Ethiopian wolves developed from an ancestor similar to the grey wolf that moved into Northern Africa from Europe about 100000 years ago. They inhabit alpine grasslands and heathlands in Ethiopia at, or above, $3000\,\text{m}$ altitude. State the most likely type of speciation that produced the Ethiopian wolf.

(b)[2]

A group of Ethiopian wolves is called a pack. Heterozygosity has been measured as low in every Ethiopian wolf pack that has been studied. Suggest why heterozygosity may be low in Ethiopian wolf packs.

(c)[4]

The Ethiopian wolf is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). It issues an annual endangered-species list called the Red List. Complete Table 1.1 to summarise four of the main reasons, with further explanation, why the Ethiopian wolf has become endangered.

(d)[2]

According to the Red List, the number of endangered mammal species in $2007$ was $349$ and in $2008$ was $448$. Calculate the percentage rise in endangered mammal species from $2007$ to $2008$. Give your answer to the nearest whole number. Show your working.

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