Knowledge Geological Comments and techniques and skills understanding Major fossil finds show: Evaluate the significance Candidates should be rare and of the incomplete nature aware that the fossil exceptional of the fossil record. record is biased and preservation over represented by [Burgess marine organisms that shale fauna] had shells. the links in macro fossil Candidates should be evolution through aware that many the morphology reconstructions of of modern extinct organisms, reptiles and birds particularly dinosaurs, [Archaeopteryx] are often based on that complex just a few bones. fossil skeletons have to be Candidates should be interpreted from aware that hominid incomplete and fossils are disarticulated exceptionally rare remains and only a few quality [dinosaurs] specimens of early features of hominids exist e.g. early hominids Lucy. Important features include [“Lucy”]. bipedal gait and enlarged brain case of skull.
Knowledge and understanding Geological techniques and skills Comments Major fossil finds show: rare and exceptional preservation [Burgess shale fauna] the links in macro fossil evolution through the morphology of modern reptiles and birds [Archaeopteryx] that complex fossil skeletons have to be interpreted from incomplete and disarticulated remains [dinosaurs] features of early hominids [“Lucy”]. Evaluate the significance of the incomplete nature of the fossil record. Candidates should be aware that the fossil record is biased and over represented by marine organisms that had shells. Candidates should be aware that many reconstructions of extinct organisms, particularly dinosaurs, are often based on just a few bones. Candidates should be aware that hominid fossils are exceptionally rare and only a few quality specimens of early hominids exist e.g. Lucy. Important features include bipedal gait and enlarged brain case of skull.
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