Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Natural and artificial selection

Natural and artificial selection — practice question

Green lacewings form an insect family containing over 1300 species. The common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea, is displayed in Fig. 9.1.
(a(i))[3]

Outline how natural selection could have led to the evolution of the tympanal organ in green lacewings.

(a(ii))[4]

When high frequency sound is detected, the receptor cells in the tympanal organ trigger impulse transmission in sensory neurones. Describe the sequence of events that results in an action potential in a sensory neurone. The first event in the sequence has been provided for you: Calcium ions enter the cytoplasm of the receptor cell.

(ii)[4]

When high frequency sound is detected, the receptor cells in the tympanal organ trigger impulse transmission in sensory neurones. Describe the sequence of events that results in an action potential in a sensory neurone. The first event in the sequence has been provided for you. Calcium ions enter the cytoplasm of the receptor cell.

(b)[3]

Two species of green lacewing, C. carnea and C. downesi, came from a common ancestor. Their populations overlap in parts of North America. Table 9.1 compares the characteristics of the overlapping populations of the two species. Suggest how speciation occurred to produce the two different species of green lacewing.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: a random mutation enables detection of high frequency

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI