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]
5 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
During exercise a patient's heart rate is 120 beats/min and each side pumps 110 cm³ per beat. Cardiac output is the volume pumped by one side per minute.
.1
Calculate cardiac output in dm³/min.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain how increased cardiac output supports exercise.
[3 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.
[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
Researchers record 48 freshwater invertebrate species at an unpolluted site and 18 at a site with low dissolved oxygen. The sites also differ in temperature and water flow.
.1
Calculate the percentage decrease in species count relative to the unpolluted site.
[2 marks]
.2
Evaluate the claim that low oxygen alone caused the decrease.
