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]
4 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A clinic diagnoses gonorrhoea in a patient with pain on urination. An initial antibiotic fails; tests identify a resistant bacterial strain.
.1
Explain why an antibiotic can be appropriate for gonorrhoea but this antibiotic failed.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain how a barrier method reduces transmission and why pain relief alone does not prevent spread.
[2 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A shrub produces flowers visited by bees. The bees obtain nectar, and pollen is transferred between flowers. A long drought reduces the shrub population.
.1
Explain why the relationship is an example of interdependence.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain how the drought could affect the bees even if they are not directly harmed by dry air.
[2 marks]
5 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
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]
5 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A genetically engineered crop produces a protein harmful to one insect pest. Small field trials report less insect damage, but did not measure other insect populations.
.1
Explain how genetic engineering can produce the new crop characteristic.
[2 marks]
.2
Evaluate whether the trial establishes that large-scale use has no ecological disadvantages.
