A transect runs from a shaded wall into a lawn. Mean plant counts per quadrat at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 m are 1, 3, 6, 6 and 5 respectively.
.1
Describe the pattern in the data without claiming a cause.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain how to investigate whether light accounts for the pattern.
[2 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A person with Type 1 diabetes says that insulin lowers blood glucose because it destroys glucose molecules in the bloodstream.
.1
Explain why this explanation is incorrect.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain why a person with Type 1 diabetes may need insulin treatment even when they avoid sugary foods.
[2 marks]
4 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A breeder repeatedly selects the largest tomatoes from closely related plants. Average fruit size rises, but a disease damages almost all plants in the new line.
.1
Explain how the breeder increased fruit size.
[2 marks]
.2
Suggest why the new line may be unusually vulnerable to one disease.
[2 marks]
6 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
Two carriers of cystic fibrosis consider embryo screening. Screening can identify embryos with two recessive alleles, but the IVF process may not produce an unaffected embryo suitable for transfer.
Evaluate embryo screening for this couple.
[6 marks]
4 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
Two body-temperature sensors record one person during a warm afternoon. Sensor A reads 36.9, 37.0 and 37.1 °C. Sensor B always reads exactly 37.0 °C. Both are displayed to one decimal place.
.1
Explain why sensor A can be consistent with homeostasis.
[2 marks]
.2
Suggest why sensor B does not, by itself, prove better control.
