Question 1:-
This food web comes from a woodland ecosystem.
(a) (i) Which organism is the producer?
A caterpillar
B earthworm
C oak tree
D stoat
(ii) Which organism is a secondary consumer?
A caterpillar
B earthworm
C fox
D ladybird
(iii) Which organism is both a secondary and a tertiary consumer?
A blackbird
B earthworm
C fox
D stoat
(b) A farmer is using a pesticide in fields next to the woodland.
The pesticide is reducing the numbers of greenfly and caterpillars in the woodland.
(i) Explain what effect this may have on the blackbirds in the woodland.
(ii) Describe a different method the farmer could use to reduce the number of greenfly on his crops.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans :
1(a)(i) The only correct answer is
C (oak tree)
A is not the answer as caterpillar is not a producer
B is not the answer as earthworm is not a producer
D is not the answer as stoat is not a producer
1(a)(ii) The only correct answer is
D (ladybird)
A is not the answer as caterpillar is not a secondary
consumer
B is not the answer as earthworm is not a secondary
consumer
C is not the answer as fox is not a secondary consumer
1(a)(iii) The only correct answer is
A (blackbird)
B is not the answer as earthworm is not a secondary and
a tertiary consumer
C is not the answer as fox is not a secondary and a
tertiary consumer
D is not the answer as stoat is not a secondary and a
tertiary consumer
1 (b) (i) An explanation that makes reference to three of
the following:
• fewer blackbirds / numbers fall / population
reduces / die / migrate /eq (1)
• less food (for blackbirds) fewer (caterpillars)
to eat / fewer ladybirds / eq (1)
• less food for ladybirds / fewer greenfly for
ladybirds to eat/ eq (1)
• (blackbirds) will eat more earthworms / will
eat only earthworms / eq (1)
• blackbirds consume pesticide /
bioaccumulation / pesticide kills blackbirds / eq (1)
1 (b) (ii) A description that makes reference to the following:
• biological control (1)
• introduce predator / increase ladybirds / eq (1)
• to eat / consume / prey on greenfly / eq (1)
Question 2:-
A student investigates the effect of different concentrations of sucrose on potato tissue.
The student first makes a series of sucrose solutions using this dilution table.
(a) Complete the table by writing the volume of distilled water for test tube 2.
(b) This is the student’s method.
Step 1 cut six equal-size cylinders of potato each 5cm in length
Step 2 dry the cut surfaces using filter paper
Step 3 measure the mass of each cylinder
Step 4 place one cylinder of potato in each of the six test tubes containing
• 20cm3 of 1 molar (1.0 mole per litre) sucrose solution
• 20cm3 of 0.8 molar sucrose solution
• 20cm3 of 0.6 molar sucrose solution
• 20cm3 of 0.4 molar sucrose solution
• 20cm3 of 0.2 molar sucrose solution
• 20cm3 of distilled water
Step 5 put a bung in each test tube and leave the test tubes for one hour
Step 6 remove the cylinders from each test tube
Step 7 dry the cylinders with filter paper
Step 8 measure the mass of each cylinder again
Explain the reason for step 7 in the student’s method.
(c) The table shows the student’s results.
(i) Calculate the percentage change in mass for the 0.4 mole per litre sucrose solution.
percentage change = ………………………….%
(ii) Comment on the effect of the different concentrations of sucrose on the potato tissue.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : 2(a) 4 (1)
2(b) An explanation that makes reference to two
of the following
• remove surface moisture / liquid /eq (1)
• that would add / alter / affect mass / affect results / eq (1)
• so valid comparison can be made between with pre-solution dried cylinder / eq(1)
2(c)(i) change in mass 2.3-2.2 = 0.1g % = 0.1÷2.2×100 = 4.5 (2)
2(c)(ii) An answer that makes reference to five of the following
1. loses mass in high(er) (sucrose) concentration / 1.0 / 0.8 / eq (1)
2. gains mass in low(er) (sucrose) concentration/ 0.0 / 0.2 / 0.4/ eq (1)
3. as water exits / enters / eq (1)
4. by osmosis / eq (1)
5. from higher water potential / to low water potential / eq (1)
6. no change in mass / no (net) movement of water in 0.6 / eq (1)
7. potato has same water potential / same concentration / isosmotic / eq (1)
Question 3:-
(a) A student investigates the differences between inhaled and exhaled air using this apparatus.
(i) They use solution X to compare the concentration of carbon dioxide in inhaled and exhaled air.
Give the name of solution X.
(ii) Explain the changes that will take place in solution X in test tube A and in test tube B.
(iii) Other than concentration of carbon dioxide, state one other difference between exhaled air and inhaled air.
(b) Another student investigated the effect of the duration of exercise on their breathing rate.
These are their results.
(i) Give the independent variable in this investigation.
(ii) Plot a line graph to show the effect of duration of exercise on breathing rate.
Join the points with straight lines.
(iii) Describe the effect of duration of exercise on breathing rate.
(iv) Give one way the student could improve the reliability of their investigation.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : 3(a)(i) • limewater / hydrogen carbonate indicator/ sodium hydrogen carbonate / sodium bicarbonate / bicarbonate indicator /eq
3(a)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to three of the following:
• tube A (stays) clear / (stays) red / (stays) orange / no change /eq (1)
• tube B goes cloudy / milky / yellow /eq (1)
• (more) carbon dioxide in exhaled air / in tube B /eq (1)
3(a)(iii) • warmer / less oxygen / more water (vapour ) /eq (1)
3(b)(i) • duration (of exercise)/ time / eq (1)
3(b)(ii) An answer that includes
• Scales linear and at least 2 big squares on y and 3 on x (1)
• Lines straight and through all points (1)
• Axis correct way round (duration on x and breathing rate y)(1)
• Units labelled with duration/ exercise in seconds/s and breathing rate in breaths per minute / breathing rate/min eq (1)
• Points correctly plotted within a small square (1)
3(b)(iii) A description that includes two of the following points:
• breathing rate increases until 180 seconds / up to 42 (breathes)/ eq (1)
• decreases slightly (between 180-210) / eq (1)
• (then) levels out / becomes
constant / eq (1)
3(b)(iv) • repeat / use more students / people / eq (1)
Question 4:-
The diagram shows two samples of blood seen using a high power microscope.
One sample is of normal blood and the other sample is from a patient with a blood condition.
(a) State two differences between the normal blood sample and the sample from the
patient with the blood condition.
1 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) The line P–Q shown on the diagram has an actual length of 25μm.
[1000μm = 1mm]
Calculate the magnification of the diagram.
magnification = ×………………………….
(c) In a healthy person 1cm3 of blood contains 5.0×109 red blood cells.
An adult has 5.0 litres (5.0dm3) of blood in their body.
Calculate the number of red blood cells in the body of a healthy adult.
Give your answer in standard form.
[1dm3 = 1000cm3]
number ……………………………………………………..
(d) Using the information from the diagram and your own knowledge, comment on the likely effect of the blood condition on the patient.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans :
4(a) An answer that makes reference to two of the following
• more red cells / erythrocytes / eq (1)
• fewer lymphocytes / eq (1)
• fewer monocytes / eq (1)
• fewer neutrophils / eq (1)
4(b) line length = 14 (mm) 14 mm = 14 × 1000 magnification = 14 000 ÷ 25 = x 560 (2) Allow range 520 – 600
4(c) 5.0 × 109 × 1000
5.0 × 1012
5.0 × 5.0 × 1012 = 2.5 × 1013 (2)
4(d) An answer that makes reference to four of the following
1. less haemoglobin (1)
2. less (transport of) oxygen /eq(1)
3. less energy / less ATP / respiration / eq (1)
4. tired / out of breath / lactic acid build up / eq (1)
5. more immune response / greater immunity / more memory cells/ eq (1)
6. more antibodies / eq (1)
7. more phagocytosis / eq (1)
8. less infection / may be infected / eq (1)
Question 5:-
Guinea pigs have either long hair or short hair. The hair length is controlled by one
gene with two alleles.
The photograph shows a guinea pig with long hair and a guinea pig with short hair.
(a) State what is meant by the term allele.
(b) A breeder did the following crosses.
Cross 1 a male long-haired guinea pig with a female short-haired guinea pig, this produces five offspring all with short hair
Cross 2 a male short-haired guinea pig with a female long-haired guinea pig, this produces four offspring all with short hair
Cross 3 a male short-haired offspring from cross 1 with a female short-haired offspring from cross 2, this produces some offspring with long hair and some offspring with short hair
(i) Draw a genetic diagram to show the parents, gametes and all possible genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring from cross 3.
(ii) Calculate the probability that the first offspring born from cross 3 is a male with short hair.
probability = ………………………….
(iii) Some short-haired guinea pigs are homozygous and some short-haired guinea pigs are heterozygous.
Explain how a breeder could use a cross to determine the genotype of a short-haired guinea pig.
(c) Guinea pigs stay completely still and do not move when they sense danger.
Describe how this behaviour has evolved by natural selection.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans :5(a)• (alternative) form / version of a gene /eq (1)
5(b)(i) An answer that makes reference to the following
• genotypes of parents Ss and Ss (1)
• gametes formed S and s S and s (1)
• genotypes of offspring SS Ss ss(1)
• phenotypes of offspring stated or ratio 3 short to 1 long / eq (1)
5(b)(ii) An answer that makes reference to the following
• prob of male 0.5 / prob of short hair 0.75
• combined prob = 0.375 (2)
5(b)(iii) An explanation that makes reference to two of the following
• cross with long-haired / ss / homozygous recessive / eq (1)
• if SS/ homozygous / all offspring short-haired / no long-haired / eq (1)
• if Ss/ heterozygous some long-haired / eq (1)
5(c) A description that makes reference to four of the following
• mutation / eq (1)
• variation (in behaviour) / eq (1)
• (guinea pigs) not eaten / survive not noticed by predators / eq (1)
• reproduce / eq (1)
• pass on allele / gene to offspring / eq (1)
Question 6:-
The diagram shows a human reflex arc with some structures labelled. It is the withdrawal reflex, which allows a person to remove their hand from a hot object quickly.
(a) (i) Which structure is the sensory receptor?
A L
B P
C Q
D S
(ii) Which structure is the cell body of the relay neurone?
A L
B N
C M
D P
(iii) Which structure is the motor neurone?
A L
B M
C R
D S
(iv) Which structure is the effector?
A L
B M
C Q
D S
(b) A nerve impulse travels at 50metres per second.
(i) Calculate the time taken for an impulse to travel 180cm.
time = …………………………………………………….. seconds
(ii) The length of the nerve pathway in the withdrawal reflex arc is 180cm.
The time a person takes to remove their hand away from a hot object is called the response time.
Explain why the actual response time is different from the time taken for a nerve impulse to travel 180cm.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans :
6(a)(i) The only correct answer is A (L)
B is not the answer as P is not the sensory receptor
C is not the answer as Q is not the sensory receptor
D is not the answer as S is not the sensory receptor
6(a)(ii) The only correct answer is D (P)
A is not the answer as L is not the cell body of the relay
neurone
B is not the answer as N is not the cell body of the relay
neurone
motor neurone
C is not the answer as M is not the cell body of the relay
neurone
6(a)(iii) The only correct answer is C (R)
A is not the answer as L is not the motor neurone
B is not the answer as M is not the motor neurone
D is not the answer as S is not the motor neurone
6(a)(iv) The only correct answer is D (S)
A is not the answer as L is not the effector
B is not the answer as M is not the effector
C is not the answer as Q is not the effector
6(b)(i) 180 cm = 1.8m
time = 1.8 ÷ 50 = 0.036 or 3.6 x 10-2(2)
6(b)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to
four of the following
1. response time slower / longer
/delay / (more) time taken / eq
(1)
2. (delay / transmission ) between
neurones / in between neurones /
not just speed along neurones /
eq (1)
3. (includes time) to generate
impulse (in receptor) / (time) for
muscle to contract / eq (1)
4. chemical coordination / diffusion /
eq (1)
5. synapse (1)
6. neurotransmitter / named
neurotransmitter (1)
Question 7:-
Biologists classify organisms into different groups. Two of these groups are bacteria
and fungi.
(a) Complete the passage about bacteria by writing a suitable word or words in each
blank space.
Bacteria are small …………………………………………………….. celled organisms. They have a cell membrane and a cell …………………………………………………….. , made of peptidoglycan.
Some bacteria are able to use the energy from the Sun to carry out…………………………………………………….. but other bacteria are …………………………………………………….. and feed on dead and decaying organisms.
Bacterial cells do not have a nucleus but most of their genetic material is contained in a circular …………………………………………………….. of DNA. They also have small circles of DNA called …………………………………………………….. in their cytoplasm.
Some bacteria are used by humans in food production. An example is using…………………………………………………….. to make yoghurt.
Other bacteria, such as Pneumococcus, cause disease and so are called…………………………………………………….. .
(b) A microscopic single-celled fungus, yeast, is used in the production of bread.
Describe how yeast is used to produce bread.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : 7(a) • single / one / unicellular (1)
• wall (1)
• photosynthesis (1)
• decomposers / saprophytic / saprophytes/saprotrophic (1)
• chromosome / nucleoid (1)
• plasmids (1)
• Lactobacillus / Streptococcus (1)
• pathogens / pathogenic (1)
7(b) A description that makes reference to four of the following points
• yeast respires (aerobically) / eq (1)
• yeast (then) respires anaerobically / eq (1)
• converts starch to maltose / maltose to glucose / starch to glucose / eq (1)
• using amylase / maltase /eq (1)
• releases carbon dioxide /eq(1)
• causes (dough / bread) to rise / bubbles trapped / volume increases /eq (1)
Question 8:-
The diagrams show the female reproductive system and the male reproductive system with some structures labelled.
(a) (i) Which structure produces gametes?
A R
B S
C U
D X
(ii) Which structure is the site of fertilisation?
A R
B S
C W
D X
(iii) In which structure does the placenta usually develop?
A R
B S
C W
D X
(b) Some males have an operation called a vasectomy. This means that they do not release sperm.
This involves cutting and sealing the sperm ducts (vas deferens) inside the man’s scrotum.
(i) On the diagram draw two lines to show where the cuts are made.
(ii) Explain why this operation can be used as a permanent way of preventing pregnancy.
(c) Female sterilisation is another operation that can be used as a permanent way of preventing pregnancy. This involves cutting and sealing the fallopian tubes (oviducts).
Scientists compared female and male sterilisation, looking at the outcomes of the operations.
This is their data.
The scientists concluded that male sterilisation should be recommended for most couples considering a permanent way of preventing pregnancy.
Discuss this conclusion using data from the table.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : 8(a)(i) The only correct answer is C (U)
A is not the answer as R does not produce gametes
B is not the answer as S does not produce gametes
D is not the answer as X does not produce gametes
8(a)(ii) The only correct answer is A (R)
B is not the answer as S is not the site of fertilisation
C is not the answer as W is not the site of fertilisation
D is not the answer as X is not the site of fertilisation
8(a)(iii) The only correct answer is D (X)
A is not the answer as R is not where the placenta usually develops
B is not the answer as S is not where the placenta usually develops
C is not the answer as W is not where the placenta usually develops
8(b) (i) 
8(b)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to two of the following
• no sperm in semen / no sperm released / eq (1)
• in / from urethra / penis no sperm ejaculated / (1)
• transferred to female / eq (1)
• egg not fertilised /no fertilisation /eq (1)
8(c) An answer that makes reference to four of the following
1. easier / simpler operation / testes
scrotum outside/ less invasive / eq (1)
2. large study / reliable /significant / valid / eq (1)
3. no deaths in males / eq (1)
4. fewer complications in male / eq (1)
5. fewer failures in male / more successful / eq (1)
6. cheaper in male / eq (1)
7. no data on age / illness / medical conditions / mass / eq (1)
Question 9:-
Farmers and scientists have worked together for the last 50 years to develop crop plants and farm animals with desired characteristics.
(a) Explain why selective breeding with crop plants is easier and quicker than selective breeding with farm animals.
(b) Selective breeding in cattle has been used to improve features such as higher milk yield, longer life and increased muscle mass.
Describe how selective breeding can be used to improve milk yield in dairy cattle.
(c) Scientists and farmers are also selecting animals based on behaviour and temperament.
(i) Suggest why an animal with a calmer temperament may be more suitable for the farmer on a dairy farm.
(ii) Cattle behaviour is also affected by the hormone adrenaline. When cattle are more stressed, they have higher levels of adrenaline.
The effect of adrenaline on the cattle nervous system is similar to the effect of adrenaline in humans.
Describe the production of adrenaline and its effects on the body.
(iii) Stress in cattle can also affect their reproductive system, leading to damage to the placenta.
Describe the role of the placenta in reproduction.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : 9(a) An explanation answer that makes reference to three of the following:
• plants produce many more (seeds) / offspring /more yield / eq (1)
• quicker to reach maturity / quicker to develop / shorter life cycle / eq (1)
• plants can be self-pollinated / eq (1)
• easier to control plants environment / eq (1)
9(b) A description that makes reference to four of the following:
• select / choose / mate breed bulls / fathers that produce daughters / have mothers/ sisters with highest milk yield / selecting for twins / eq (1)
• select choose / mate breed cows / mothers that have highest milk yield / or from mothers / have sisters with highest milk yield / eq (1)
• select choose / mate breed offspring (cows) that have highest milk yield of all (female) offspring / eq (1)
• repeat for many generations /eq (1)
9(c)(i) An answer that makes reference to two of the following:
• cows easier to manage / move around farm / milk / eq (1)
• cows less likely to fight / harm farmer / harm other animals /eq (1)
• cows less lightly to run around /eq(1)
• more energy used in growth/ more milk production / more yield / eq (1)
9(c)(ii) A description that makes reference to four of the following:
1. produced by adrenal glands (1)
2. causes heart rate to increase /eq (1)
3. prepares body for fight / flight / fright / eq (1)
4. increases blood flow to muscles / blood diverted from intestines/eq (1)
5. increases breathing rate / depth / eq (1)
6. converts glycogen into glucose / increase blood glucose/increase blood sugar / eq (1)
7. pupils dilate / eq (1)
8. reactions are faster / eq (1)
9(c)(iii) A description that makes reference to three of the following:
• allows diffusion (1)
• provides oxygen / glucose / amino acids / nutrients / vitamins / minerals /eq/(1)
• provides antibodies (1)
• removes of carbon dioxide / urea / eq (1)
• secretes hormones / progesterone / eq (1)
Question 10:-
Plants absorb light energy for photosynthesis.
Some colours of light result in a higher rate of photosynthesis than other colours of light.
Devise an investigation to discover which colour of light results in a higher rate of photosynthesis.
Include experimental details in your answer and write in full sentences.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : 10 C use light bulbs / lamps different colours / wavelengths / eq (1)
O of same species (of water) plant / age / size / condition / eq (1)
R repeat / (calculate mean for each different colour ) / eq (1)
M1 measure volume of oxygen evolved / count bubbles /eq
M2 in stated time period / minutes / eq (1)
S1 at same temperature / same distance /same light intensity / same bulb / eq
S2 same carbon dioxide concentration / same mineral ions / same pH /eq (1)