Four plants all have genotype RR at one tested gene, but their final heights are 14, 19, 24 and 27 cm. The plants grew with different supplies of water. A student claims that these results show height cannot be inherited.
.1
Explain why the student’s conclusion is not justified.
[3 marks]
.2
Suggest how to test the effect of water while reducing genetic differences between plants.
[2 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A contraceptive comparison gives typical-use pregnancies per 100 users in one year: method A, a daily hormonal pill, 8; method B, an implant, 1. Neither method protects against sexually transmitted infections.
.1
Calculate the difference in expected pregnancies between 500 users of A and 500 users of B for one year.
[2 marks]
.2
A person often forgets daily medication and also wants infection protection. Evaluate these methods for that person.
[2 marks]
6 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
Students want to test whether doing mental arithmetic changes ruler-drop reaction time. They will use a safe classroom investigation with volunteers. You may compare drop distances directly: longer distances indicate slower reactions.
Plan the investigation so that the results can support a valid comparison.
[6 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
After rainfall, water enters soil and is taken up by trees. On a sunny day the air above the woodland contains more water vapour.
.1
Explain how water moves from the soil to the atmosphere through the trees.
[2 marks]
.2
Describe two later processes that return this water to land as part of the cycle.
[2 marks]
6 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A council can build homes on unused industrial land or on a meadow. The industrial site costs more to clean, while the meadow contains many wildflower and insect species.
Evaluate the two sites in terms of human needs and biodiversity.
