IB DP Biology- A3.1 Diversity of organisms - IB Style Questions For SL Paper 1A -New Syllabus
Question
The table shows the binomial naming of four species. What can be concluded?
| Organism | Genus | Species |
|---|---|---|
| W | Felis | catus |
| X | Conus | catus |
| Y | Ameiurus | catus |
| Z | Felis | silvestris |
(B) X and Y are the most closely related.
(C) W and Z are the most closely related.
(D) W is equally related to all the other species.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Correct Answer: \( \boxed{\mathbf{C}} \)
In binomial nomenclature, organisms that share the same genus are more closely related than those sharing only the species name. Organisms W (Felis catus) and Z (Felis silvestris) belong to the same genus, Felis, indicating they have a more recent common ancestor and are the most closely related.
Question

▶️ Answer/Explanation
In paternity testing, every DNA band in the child must appear either in the mother or the true father. By comparing the child’s unmatched bands with the four possible fathers, only Profile B contains all the additional bands that originate from the child but are not found in the mother. Therefore, B is the only consistent match.
✅ Answer: (B)
Question
How do autotrophs living in an aquatic ecosystem obtain carbon?
A. By diffusion of dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions
B. By feeding on heterotrophs and obtaining carbon from carbohydrates
C. By active transport of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere
D. By ingesting organisms with carbonate shells
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. By diffusion of dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions
Explanation:
Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food, usually by photosynthesis. In aquatic ecosystems, autotrophs such as algae and cyanobacteria obtain carbon from dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen carbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) in the water.
These carbon sources come from atmospheric CO₂, which dissolves into the water and then diffuses into autotrophic cells.
Evaluating the options:
A. Correct – Aquatic autotrophs absorb dissolved CO₂ and HCO₃⁻ by diffusion. This is their primary carbon source for photosynthesis.
B. Incorrect – Feeding on heterotrophs is a heterotrophic behavior. Autotrophs synthesize their own organic molecules.
C. Incorrect – Autotrophs do not take CO₂ directly from the air; it must dissolve in water first.
D. Incorrect – Ingesting organisms with carbonate shells would require heterotrophy, not autotrophic nutrition.
