Evolution of Australian Biota Assessment Answers Essay Example

Evolution of Australian Biota Assessment Answers Essay Example Evolution of Australian Biota Assessment Answers Essay Evolution of Australian Biota Assessment Answers Essay Discuss current research into the evolutionary relationships between extinct species, including megafauna and extant Australian species. Megafauna simply means large animals, in which most have become extinct within the last 20 000 to 50 000 years. The extinction of megafauna was, debatably, due to climate change and human expansion. Although, Africa still retains some megafauna, such as the elephant or the rhinoceros. Australia has managed to keep many examples of relict species, some from the time of the megafauna.These include the Crocodile, Wollemi Pine and Stromatolites. Megafauna are not direct ancestors of the current animals, rather certain animals both evolved from a common ancestor. An example of this can be seen in the Diprotodon optatum, it does not belong to the same family as the modern wombat, but they are relatives which can be observed in their similar characteristics. Their structural similarities include their skull structure, body covering, structure of limbs, ears and snout. However, the Diprotodon was huge; 3 metres long and 2 metres high, comparable to a hippoptamus.They also had pigeon toed feet, a longer nose, possibly a small trunk, a very dense coat and sharp claws. The Diprotodon flourished in the late Tertiary and declined in the Pleistocene, becoming extinct at the time humans arrived, 50 000 years ago. The Diprotodon is mentioned in some dreamtime stories, supporting the idea that human hunting and Aboriginal fire stick burning (burning vegetation for easier hunting) altering the ecosystem both contributed to the extinction of the Diprotodon. Current research into extinct megafauna and extant Australian species revoles heavily around the finding off fossils.Fossils provide Palentologists with information about the similarities and differences between species, deducing certain evolutionary relationships. Other research includes radiometric dating, providing dates for when fauna died and the possible cause. Ideas about the ecological and environmental conditions of the time can also be found from fossils and other technology today. Fossils of the Diprotodon have been found all over Australia, in places such as the Wellington caves, which have assisted Palentologists in discovering similarties and differences between the Diprotodon optatum and the modern wombat.Other forms of current research include techniques to do with DNA hybridisation, molecular biology techniques and DNA preserved in bones to discover information about evolutionary relationships. b) Identify data sources and analyse information from secondary sources and use available evidence to illustrate the changing ideas of scientists in the last 200 years about individual species such as the platypus as new information and technologies became available. The Platypus is one of Australias most unique animals, of which its origins and classifcation is still debated today.Over the past 200 years, technology has rapidly developed, causing scientists ideas about the Platypus to change and develop. When first discovered in 1798, a Platypus skin was sent to England which scientists thought was a hoax. As the specimen was observed more, it was considered to be a primitive species, but it was in fact a highly evolved form of an ancestor. It is unique from a mammal as it lays eggs, there is an absence of teeth, it also has a bill similar to that of a duck. It also has webbed feet and a short tail.However, it does have fur like other mammals and it secretes milk from special glands. As technology began to improve, scientists were able to understand how the Platypus reproduced. In 1826, it was found that it had mammary glands, and in 1884, scientists captured female eggs. In the 1940s, an Australia scientist invented the Platypussary. This was technology that attempted to stimulate its natural habitat, hoping to breed a pair. In 1943, the first Platypus was bred in captivity, which gave scientists much research into lifestyle and breeding habits; gestation and pre and post natal processes.Another scientific question was that of its body temperature, but with the development of radiotelementary scientists ideas about this changed. Radiotelementary can record body temperature and transmit this information. It has helped scientists in understanding whether the Platypus can maintain its body te mperature when swimming in cold water. Scientists have contiuned to develop their ideas through the research of amino acids, which allowed them to observe trends between the sequences of placentals and marsupials. Fossils have also been an important technological development in understanding the Platypus.As well as cell observation, allowing Scientists to discover the Platypus salt retaining kidneys. Another huge discovery about Platypus was able to come about because of new technology, the question of how the Platypus got its food. Using Electron Microscopy, scientists were able to observe the Platypus bill. The discovery was made that the bill had extremely sensitive touch receptors which helped the Platypus navigate underwater with its eyes closed, and it detected prey. They also discovered Electroreceptors on the bill, which detect tiny electrical signals, creating an image underwater for the Platypus and located the prey.Scientists have contiuned to develop their ideas through the research of amino acids, fossils, fibre optics, radio tracking, genetic fingerprinting and cell observation, which allowed Scientists to discover the Platypus salt retaining kidneys. c) Gather information from secondary sources to describe some Australian fossils, where these fossils were found and use available evidence to explain how they contribute to the development of understanding about the evolution of species in Australia.Fossils are huge scientific development which have altered and explored many scientific theories. The sequences of fossils indicates the progressive chronology of the changes in plants and animals over millions of years, the dating of rocks indicates the time periods of extinction and the type of plant and animal in the fossil depicts the environment in that past area. An example of this is within the fossil tooth from a placental mammal, about 55 million years old. This was found in Murgon.This particular fossil changed the understanding of fossil mamm alian history, as it is Australias oldest placental land mammal. This fossil now supports the theory that both placentals and marsupials lived in Australia around 55 million years ago. Another example of how fossils contribute to the understanding of evolution is in the Glossopteris flora. It is especially significant as it provides the first evidence of continental drift, as the leaf is dominant in America, Australia, Africa and India, supporting the theory that these continents had once been joined.The Glossopteris developed understanding about the Australian evolution of species as the adaptation of its thick skin indicates Australias changing climate throughout evolution. This skin prevented a rapid loss of moisture as Australia became more arid. Some important fossil sites that have developed our understanding about the evolution of species in Australia include Lightning Ridge, Murgon, Riversleigh, Bluff Downs and Wellington Caves.

9 Steps to Complete an Extended Essay that Meets All the Demands

9 Steps to Complete an Extended Essay that Meets All the Demands 9 Steps to Complete an Extended Essay that Meets All the Demands At the end of studying, every undergraduate student should write a definite number of academic papers of various origin. Amongst them is an extended essay. One of the most remarkable requirements for this assignment is its length, which makes 4,000 words. It counts towards your future IB Diploma. Accordingly, you cannot skip this assignment if you wish to obtain it. When a student composes an extended essay, he or she should conduct an independent in-depth research or investigation. The length of this academic assignment is terrifying. Nonetheless, it’s not that bad as you might think. Firstly, you should realize that this is a simple essay. It is just larger than commonly. Secondly, you are free to select the topic you wish. This is solely your choice. Therefore, you will not be forced to write on boring or too complicated topics. Remember your previous experience and compose this essay just as many others who have already dealt with. 1. Choose a Topic Correctly Depending on the discipline, you should choose a topic, which would be interesting to you. You have a huge advantage. You select the main theme on your own. See not to miss it! Choose something you enjoy. While making the final decision on your topic, be picky and careful. Your topic is supposed to be interesting but not overused. It should not be too broad or too narrow. Find the middle ground. The too vast theme will involve many sub-questions that might be too difficult to cover. If choosing a too narrow topic, you might get stuck with lack of information and utterly problematic terms of evidence to analyze. 2. Learn All the Demands It goes beyond all doubts that you are obliged to follow strict rules. The violation of any demand will cost you essential grades. Consequently, you should learn and memorize all demands to fulfill them correctly. 3. Prefer the Right Advisor It’s important to choose a suitable advisor. It would be perfect if you find a person who shares your ideas and interests. If you have a lot in common, your academic supervisor will provide you with reasonable solutions to your main issue. Moreover, the right advisor will be constantly encouraging you showing the best way of reasoning, planning, and fulfilling your research. 4. Mind the Outline You ought to be absolutely sure that your essay has a clear structure and flow. It should include the typical major sections – introduction, main body, and conclusion. Every section will require some special attention and heaps of energy. The best way to tackle these sections is to craft a proper outline. Your outline is expected to contain every part of writing. In such a way, you will have a visualization of your steps. You will know how and when to undertake this or that stage. Some students recommend creating a temporary outline because there may take place some changes during the writing process. 5. Express Your Originality Undoubtedly, you should illustrate the fullness of your creativity. You should have something original to say. Your style is restricted to the definite extent. Nonetheless, it’s compromise-free. Your supervisor will expect from you an authentic work. Therefore, everything is in your hands. 6. Write a Temporary Thesis It’s recommended to create a temporary thesis, just like an outline. This is a very long essay, which requires lots of time and efforts. You may dramatically change your final opinion on the researched question at the end of the writing. Therefore, it would be wise to create the thesis statement for a definite period of time. Afterward, you can easily adjust it. 7. Write the Rough Draft It’s essential to begin with a draft. It shouldn’t be perfect. Write it roughly to see the big picture and change it in the correct way afterward. Thus, you will avoid lots of mistakes. 8. Add All Necessary Elements After you write the main parts, add the title page, abstract, contents page, and cited works. Mind that they should be added and written in strict accordance with the assigned format. Afterward, revise your research. Find all errors and drawbacks. Eliminate them or replace. This is when you’ll be done with this complicated extended assignment. At you can buy extended essay online on any topic. Your extended essay will be written from scratch by academic experts.