CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science B17.1 Variation Exam Style Questions Paper 1
Question
The size of tomatoes is an inherited characteristic with a range of phenotypes between two extremes.
What best describes this?
(A) continuous variation
(B) discontinuous variation
(C) natural selection
(D) selective breeding
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
Question
Fingerprints are classified by their shape.
A class of students identified the type of fingerprint they have on the thumb of their left hand.
The chart shows the results.
Which statement about the data in the chart is correct?
A Fingerprints are an example of continuous variation because the data shows a range of
phenotypes.
B Fingerprints are an example of continuous variation because the data shows no intermediates.
C Fingerprints are an example of discontinuous variation because the data shows a range of phenotypes.
D Fingerprints are an example of discontinuous variation because the data shows no intermediates.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : D
Question
Which term describes differences between individuals of the same species?
(A) competition
(B) generation
(C) selection
(D) variation
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: D
Question
Continuous variation is defined as a ……1…… of phenotypes ……2…… .
Which words correctly complete gaps 1 and 2?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : C
Question
The graph shows the masses of samples of two different types of potato, Y and Z.
What is shown by the graph?
(A) Genes do not affect the mass of potatoes.
(B) Type Y potatoes show continuous variation.
(C) Type Z potatoes are smaller than type Y.
(D) Type Z potatoes show discontinuous variation.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: B
Question
The graph shows the systolic blood pressure of a group of women.
What can be concluded from the graph?
A) Blood pressure shows continuous variation.
B) Blood pressure shows discontinuous variation.
C) Genes affect blood pressure.
D) Women are more at risk of high blood pressure than men.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A) Blood pressure shows continuous variation.
Explanation: Continuous variation refers to traits that show a range of values (e.g., height, weight, blood pressure). The graph likely shows a range of blood pressure values, indicating continuous variation. Discontinuous variation refers to traits with distinct categories (e.g., blood type).
Question
A teacher measures the heights of each student in a class. All the students were born in the same year. She presents the results as a graph. Which graph is most likely to be correct?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: The heights of students in a class typically follow a normal distribution, where most students are of average height, and fewer students are extremely tall or short. Graph A represents this normal distribution.