Study Cards – Evolution of Australian Biota
Instructions:
 Click on the dot point numbers in the ‘list of outcomes’ below to edit your cards.
 Make your own notes in your own words to avoid plagiarism.
 Use the textbook to select a question for each dot point.
PRELIM BIOLOGY Topic 8.5: Evolution of Australian Biota
BOS
OC
Topic
OC
8.5.1
8.5.1.1
8.5.1.2
8.5.1.3
8.5.1.4
Topic Outcome Descriptions
Evidence for the rearrangement of crustal plates and continental drift indicates that
Australia was once part of an ancient super continent.
Identify and describe evidence that supports the assertion that Australia was once part of
a landmass called Gondwana, including:
 matching continental margins
 position of mid-ocean ridges
 spreading zones between continental plates
 fossils in common on Gondwanan continents, including Glossopteris and
Gangamopteris flora, and marsupials
 similarities between present-day organisms on Gondwanan continents.
Discuss current research into the evolutionary relationships between extinct species,
including megafauna and extant Australian species.
Solve problems to identify the positions of mid-ocean ridges and spreading zones that
infer a moving Australian continent.
Identify data sources, gather, process 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.
MORE
back to top
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0 © Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies
NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State of New South Wales, 2002
BOS
OC
Topic
OC
Topic Outcome Descriptions
The changes in Australian flora and fauna over millions of years have happened
through evolution.
8.5.2.1 Discuss examples of variation between members of a species.
Identify the relationship between variation within a species and the chances of survival of
8.5.2.2
species when environmental change occurs.
Identify and describe evidence of changing environments in Australia over millions of
8.5.2.3
years.
Identify areas within Australia that experience significant variations in temperature and
8.5.2.4
water availability.
Identify changes in the distribution of Australian species, as rainforests contracted and
8.5.2.5
sclerophyll communities and grasslands spread, as indicated by fossil evidence.
8.5.2.6 Discuss current theories that provide a model to account for these changes.
Discuss Darwin's observations of Australian flora and fauna and relate these to his theory
8.5.2.7
of evolution.
Gather, process and analyse information from secondary sources to develop a timeline
8.5.2.8 that identifies key events in the formation of Australia as an island continent from its
origins as part of Gondwana.
Gather information from secondary sources to describe some Australian fossils, where
8.5.2.9 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.
Perform a first-hand investigation, gather information of named Australian fossil samples
8.5.2.10 and use available evidence to identify similarities and differences between current and
extinct Australian life forms.
Present information from secondary sources to discuss the Huxley- Wilberforce debate
8.5.2.11
on Darwin's theory of evolution.
Perform a first-hand investigation to gather information of examples of variation in at
8.5.2.12
least two species of living organism.
MORE
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8.5.2
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0 © Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies
NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State of New South Wales, 2002
BOS
OC
Topic
OC
8.5.3
8.5.3.1
8.5.3.2
8.5.3.3
8.5.3.4
8.5.3.5
8.5.3.6
8.5.3.7
8.5.3.8
8.5.3.9
8.5.3.10
8.5.4
8.5.4.1
8.5.4.2
8.5.4.3
8.5.4.4
8.5.4.5
Topic Outcome Descriptions
Continuation of species has resulted, in part, from the reproductive
adaptations that have evolved in Australian plants and animals.
Distinguish between the processes of meiosis and mitosis in terms of the daughter
cells produced.
Compare and contrast external and internal fertilisation.
Discuss the relative success of these forms of fertilisation in relation to the
colonisation of terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Describe some mechanisms found in Australian flora for:
- pollination
- seed dispersal
- asexual reproduction
with reference to local examples.
Describe some mechanisms found in Australian fauna to ensure:
- fertilisation
- survival of the embryo and of the young after birth.
Explain how the evolution of these reproductive adaptations has increased the
chances of continuity of the species in the Australian environment.
Describe the conditions under which asexual reproduction is advantageous, with
reference to specific Australian examples.
Analyse information from secondary sources to tabulate the differences that
distinguish the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
Identify data sources, gather, process and analyse information from secondary
sources and use available evidence to discuss the relative success of internal and
external fertilisation in relation to the colonisation of terrestrial and aquatic
environments.
Plan, choose equipment or resources and perform a first-hand investigation to
gather and present information about flowers of native species of angiosperms to
identify features that may be adaptations for wind and insect/bird/mammal
pollination.
A study of palaeontology and past environments increases our understanding
of the possible future range of plants and animals.
Explain the importance of the study of past environments in predicting the impact
of human activity in present environments.
Identify the ways in which palaeontology assists understanding of the factors that
may determine distribution of flora and fauna in present and future environments.
Explain the need to maintain biodiversity.
Gather, process and analyse information from secondary sources and use available
evidence to propose reasons for the evolution, survival and extinction of species,
with reference to specific Australian examples.
Process information to discuss a current effort to monitor biodiversity.
back to top
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0 © Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies
NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State of New South Wales, 2002
Checklist of sample past HSC style questions for Evolution of Australian Biota
DOT POINT
8.5.1.1
8.5.1.2
8.5.1.3
8.5.1.4
8.5.2.1
8.5.2.2
8.5.2.3
8.5.2.4
8.5.2.5
8.5.2.6
8.5.2.7
8.5.2.8
8.5.2.9
8.5.2.10
8.5.2.11
8.5.2.12
8.5.3.1
8.5.3.2
8.5.3.3
8.5.3.4
8.5.3.5
8.5.3.6
8.5.3.7
8.5.3.8
8.5.3.9
8.5.3.10
8.5.4.1
8.5.4.2
8.5.4.3
8.5.4.4
8.5.4.5
LINK TO TEXBOOK QUESTION
4.1Q1-9
4.2Q3,4,7; 4.4Q2; 4.6Q1-5
4.2Q8,9
4.5Q1-7
INV5
4.4Q1,10,14,15
4.4Q3,4,9,16
4.3Q1,2,5
4.2; 4.3Q3,4; 4.4Q5,6
4.2Q6; 4.4Q7,8,11,12,13
INV4
4.2Q1,2; INV1
4.2Q5; INV2
INV2
INV3
INV5
4.8Q1-4
4.9Q5,6
4.9Q1-4, 8-10
4.11Q1,2,3,9,10
4.10Q1,2,3,6,11
4.10Q1,4,5,7,8,10,12; 4.11Q4,5,6,8,11
4.10Q9, 4.11Q7
4.8Q5
4.9Q7,11,12
INV6
4.6Q6
4.6Q8,9
4.7Q1,2
4.6Q7,10; INV8
4.7Q3; INV7
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Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0 © Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies
NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.1.1
DOT POINT 8.5.1.1 NOTES
back to top
Identify and describe evidence that supports the assertion that
Australia was once part of a landmass called Gondwana,
including:
 matching continental margins
 position of mid-ocean ridges
 spreading zones between continental plates
 fossils in common on Gondwanan continents, including
Glossopteris and Gangamopteris flora, and marsupials
 similarities between present-day organisms on Gondwanan
continents.
DOT POINT 8.5.1.1 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.1.1 ANSWER
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.1.2
DOT POINT 8.5.1.2 NOTES
back to top
Discuss current research into the evolutionary relationships
between extinct species, including megafauna and extant
Australian species.
DOT POINT 8.5.1.2 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.1.2 ANSWER
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.1.3
DOT POINT 8.5.1.3 NOTES
back to top
Solve problems to identify the positions of mid-ocean ridges
and spreading zones that infer a moving Australian continent.
DOT POINT 8.5.1.3 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.1.3 ANSWER
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.1.4
DOT POINT 8.5.1.4 NOTES
back to top
Identify data sources, gather, process 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.
DOT POINT 8.5.1.4 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.1.4 ANSWER
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.1
DOT POINT 8.5.2.1 NOTES
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Discuss examples of variation between members of a species.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.1 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.1 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.2
DOT POINT 8.5.2.2 NOTES
back to top
Identify the relationship between variation within a species and
the chances of survival of species when environmental change
occurs.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.2 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.2 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.3
DOT POINT 8.5.2.3 NOTES
back to top
Identify and describe evidence of changing environments in
Australia over millions of years.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.3 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.3 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.4
DOT POINT 8.5.2.4 NOTES
back to top
Identify areas within Australia that experience significant
variations in temperature and water availability.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.4 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.4 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.5
DOT POINT 8.5.2.5 NOTES
back to top
Identify changes in the distribution of Australian species, as
rainforests contracted and sclerophyll communities and
grasslands spread, as indicated by fossil evidence.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.5 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.5 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.6
DOT POINT 8.5.2.6 NOTES
back to top
Discuss current theories that provide a model to account for
these changes.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.6 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.6 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.7
DOT POINT 8.5.2.7 NOTES
back to top
Discuss Darwin's observations of Australian flora and fauna
and relate these to his theory of evolution.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.7 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.7 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.8
DOT POINT 8.5.2.8 NOTES
back to top
Gather, process and analyse information from secondary
sources to develop a timeline that identifies key events in the
formation of Australia as an island continent from its origins as
part of Gondwana.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.8 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.8 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.9
DOT POINT 8.5.2.9 NOTES
back to top
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.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.9 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.9 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.10
DOT POINT 8.5.2.10 NOTES
back to top
Perform a first-hand investigation, gather information of named
Australian fossil samples and use available evidence to
identify similarities and differences between current and
extinct Australian life forms.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.10 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.10 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.11
DOT POINT 8.5.2.11 NOTES
back to top
Present information from secondary sources to discuss the
Huxley- Wilberforce debate on Darwin's theory of evolution.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.11 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.11 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.2.12
DOT POINT 8.5.2.12 NOTES
back to top
Perform a first-hand investigation to gather information of
examples of variation in at least two species of living
organism.
DOT POINT 8.5.2.12 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.2.12 ANSWER
back to focus 2
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.1
DOT POINT 8.5.3.1 NOTES
back to top
Distinguish between the processes of meiosis and mitosis in
terms of the daughter cells produced.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.1 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.1 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.2
DOT POINT 8.5.3.2 NOTES
back to top
Compare and contrast external and internal fertilisation.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.2 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.2 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.3
DOT POINT 8.5.3.3 NOTES
back to top
Discuss the relative success of these forms of fertilisation in
relation to the colonisation of terrestrial and aquatic
environments.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.3 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.3 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.4
DOT POINT 8.5.3.4 NOTES
back to top
Describe some mechanisms found in Australian flora for:
- pollination
- seed dispersal
- asexual reproduction
with reference to local examples.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.4 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.4 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.5
DOT POINT 8.5.3.5 NOTES
back to top
Describe some mechanisms found in Australian fauna to
ensure:
- fertilisation
- survival of the embryo and of the young after birth.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.5 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.5 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.6
DOT POINT 8.5.3.6 NOTES
back to top
Explain how the evolution of these reproductive adaptations
has increased the chances of continuity of the species in the
Australian environment.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.6 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.6 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.7
DOT POINT 8.5.3.7 NOTES
back to top
Describe the conditions under which asexual reproduction is
advantageous, with reference to specific Australian examples.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.7 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.7 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.8
DOT POINT 8.5.3.8 NOTES
back to top
Analyse information from secondary sources to tabulate the
differences that distinguish the processes of mitosis and
meiosis.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.8 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.8 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.9
DOT POINT 8.5.3.9 NOTES
back to top
Identify data sources, gather, process and analyse information
from secondary sources and use available evidence to discuss
the relative success of internal and external fertilisation in
relation to the colonisation of terrestrial and aquatic
environments.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.9 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.9 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.3.10
DOT POINT 8.5.3.10 NOTES
back to top
Plan, choose equipment or resources and perform a first-hand
investigation to gather and present information about flowers
of native species of angiosperms to identify features that may
be adaptations for wind and insect / bird / mammal pollination.
DOT POINT 8.5.3.10 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.3.10 ANSWER
back to focus 3
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.4.1
DOT POINT 8.5.4.1 NOTES
back to top
Explain the importance of the study of past environments in
predicting the impact of human activity in present
environments.
DOT POINT 8.5.4.1 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.4.1 ANSWER
back to focus 4
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.4.2
DOT POINT 8.5.4.2 NOTES
back to top
Identify the ways in which palaeontology assists
understanding of the factors that may determine distribution of
flora and fauna in present and future environments.
DOT POINT 8.5.4.2 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.4.2 ANSWER
back to focus 4
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.4.3
DOT POINT 8.5.4.3 NOTES
back to top
Explain the need to maintain biodiversity.
DOT POINT 8.5.4.3 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.4.3 ANSWER
back to focus 4
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.4.4
DOT POINT 8.5.4.4 NOTES
back to top
Gather, process and analyse information from secondary
sources and use available evidence to propose reasons for the
evolution, survival and extinction of species, with reference to
specific Australian examples.
DOT POINT 8.5.4.4 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.4.4 ANSWER
back to focus 4
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002
DOT POINT 8.5.4.5
DOT POINT 8.5.4.5 NOTES
back to top
Process information to discuss a current effort to monitor
biodiversity.
DOT POINT 8.5.4.5 QUESTION
Biology in Context
ISBN 978 0 19 556626 0
DOT POINT 8.5.4.5 ANSWER
back to focus 4
© Oxford University Press Australia; Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in rights of the State
of New South Wales, 2002