1. Which of the following is the best definition of a population?

A. A group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring

B. The number of individuals of the same species in a given area

C. A group of species living and interacting with each other in a given area

D. The total number of individuals in a given area

(Total 1 mark)

2. The diagram below shows a simplified food web.

What is the role of the snake in this food web?

A. Primary consumer

B. Secondary consumer

C. Tertiary consumer

D. Producer
(Total 1 mark)
3. The graph below represents a sigmoid (S-shaped) population growth curve. Three sections of
the curve are indicated (1, 2 and 3).

In which of the sections is natality plus immigration greater than mortality plus emigration?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 2 only

D. 3 only
(Total 1 mark)

4. What is evolution?

A. A measure of the relative survival and reproductive success of an individual

B. A cumulative change in the genetically controlled characteristics of a population

C. A physical change during an organisms life that is inherited by its offspring

D. A random change in the proportions of alleles from generation to generation

(Total 1 mark)
5. Two different trees have been classified as Pinus pinea and Pinus nigra. Which of the
following statements is correct?

A. Both trees belong to the same class but a different genus.

B. Both trees belong to the same family and same genus.

C. The species name of both trees is Pinus.

D. The family names are pinea and nigra.

(Total 1 mark)

6. A collection of four animal specimens is observed and a dichotomous key is applied. Which
specimen is an arthropod?

1. Non-segmented body ......................................... go to 2

Segmented body ................................................. go to 3

2. Body is not symmetrical ..................................... specimen A

Body is symmetrical ........................................... specimen B

3. Jointed appendages present ................................ specimen C

Jointed appendages absent ................................. specimen D

A. Specimen A

B. Specimen B

C. Specimen C

D. Specimen D
(Total 1 mark)

7. Which of the following represent homologous features?

A. Wings in birds and insects

B. The appendix in humans and horses

C. Fins in fish and wings in birds

D. The striped coat of the zebra and the tiger

(Total 1 mark)
8. Which of the following ecological units includes abiotic factors?

A. A community

B. An ecosystem

C. A population

D. A trophic level
(Total 1 mark)

9. In the forest zone between Gabon and the Republic of Congo it is estimated that an epidemic of
the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus (ZEBOV) killed nearly 5000 gorillas, significantly reducing
the population. Which statement is supported by this information?

A. Natality was greater than mortality.

B. Mortality was equal to natality.

C. Natality and immigration was greater than mortality and emigration.

D. Mortality was greater than immigration and natality.

(Total 1 mark)

10. If humans become infected with the Ebola virus it can have devastating effects. Strong, but not
certain, evidence suggests that trading in animal products is the main reason for the spread of
the Ebola virus to humans. Which statement about the precautionary principle is correct?

A. In the absence of certainty about cause and effect, people should not be asked to stop
trading in animal products.

B. The burden of proof regarding a cause and effect relationship lies with scientists.

C. Because it is a probable cause, trading in animal products should be banned because of

the potentially devastating consequences.

D. The precautionary principle is not relevant in this case.

(Total 1 mark)
11. Which group of organisms in the carbon cycle converts carbon into a form that is available to
primary consumers?

A. Decomposers

B. Saprotrophs

C. Detritus feeders

D. Producers
(Total 1 mark)

12. What is a community composed of?

A. Habitats

B. Populations

C. Abiotic factors

D. Biotic and abiotic factors

(Total 1 mark)

13. Which of the following are greenhouse gases?

I. Oxides of nitrogen

II. Carbon dioxide

III. Methane

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
14. The population of white-tailed deer in Nova Scotia (Canada) suffered a significant decline in
the late 1970s. Which of the following is most likely to have caused the decline?

A. The population had depleted resources in the environment

B. A decrease in hunting

C. A decrease in predation

D. Natality and immigration exceeded mortality and emigration

(Total 1 mark)
15.

What do all of the organisms in the diagram represent when considered together?

A. A food chain

B. A population

C. A community

D. An ecosystem
(Total 1 mark)
16. What is a community?

A. A group of organisms living and interacting in the same trophic level

B. A group of populations living and interacting in a food chain

C. A group of organisms of the same species living and interacting in an ecosystem

D. A group of populations living and interacting in an area

(Total 1 mark)
17. What are the units of a pyramid of energy?

A. kJ m2 yr1

B. kJ m1 yr1

C. J m3 s1

D. J m2 s1
(Total 1 mark)
18. What is a potential consequence of the rise in global temperatures on the Arctic ecosystem?

A. Increased exposure to UV light

B. Increased rate of decomposition of detritus

C. Decreased success of pest species

D. Increase in the ice habitat available to polar bears

(Total 1 mark)
19. What can limit increases in population size?

I. Decrease in prey
II. Decrease in parasites
III. Increase in predators

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
20. Which of the following are used as evidence for evolution?

I. Homologous structures
II. Selective breeding of domesticated animals
III. Overproduction of offspring

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
21. A poodle and a chihuahua are both dogs and classified as Canis familiaris. What conclusion
can be made?

A. They belong to the same genus but not the same species.

B. They are the same species but not the same genus.

C. They are different species but can interbreed.

D. They belong to the same genus and are the same species.
(Total 1 mark)
22. This question is about the food web below.

[Source: http://cbc.amnh.org/crisis/foodweb.html. Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of

Natural History]

What will happen to the sizes of the populations in the food web above if the sea otter
disappears?

A. Large fish increase and sea urchins decrease.

B. Abalones increase and sharks increase.

C. Sea urchins increase and kelps decrease.

D. Sea stars decrease and sharks increase.

(Total 1 mark)
23. Which gas will enhance the greenhouse effect if released into the atmosphere?

A. Hydrogen

B. Oxide of nitrogen

C. Oxygen

D. Nitrogen
(Total 1 mark)

24. What do the graphs below show?

A. Population in the United States is increasing at a higher rate.

B. Infant death rate is high in both countries.

C. Males live longer than females in both countries.

D. Birth rate is higher in Mexico than in the United States.

(Total 1 mark)
25. Which phylum does the plant below belong to?

A. Angiospermophyta

B. Bryophyta

C. Coniferophyta

D. Filicinophyta
(Total 1 mark)

26. Population size is influenced by certain factors.

If I = immigration, E = emigration, N = natality, M = mortality and (N + M) = (I + E) = 0,
which phase is this population in?

A. Exponential phase

B. Transitional phase

C. Plateau phase

D. Growth phase
(Total 1 mark)
27. An animal has radial symmetry, a sac-like body with only one opening and tentacles with
stinging structures. To which phylum does this animal belong?

A. Annelida

B. Cnidaria

C. Mollusca

D. Porifera
(Total 1 mark)

28. Which of the following are used as evidence for evolution?

I. Homologous structures
II. Selective breeding of domesticated animals
III. Overproduction of offspring

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

29. Which of the following is a consequence of global temperature rise on arctic ecosystems?

A. Increased rates of decomposition of detritus trapped in permafrost

B. Decrease of geographical range of habitats for temperate species

C. Decrease of pest species and increase of permafrost species

D. Increase of geographical range of habitats for permafrost species

(Total 1 mark)
30. Which of the following is a characteristic of platyhelminthes?

A. Many pairs of legs

B. Flat body

C. Hard exoskeleton

D. Presence of cnidocytes
(Total 1 mark)

31. Which of the following are characteristics of monocotyledonous plants?

I. Parallel venation of leaves

II. Floral organs in multiples of four
III. Fibrous adventitious roots

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
32. This question is about the food web below

What is the energy transfer level from the kangaroo rat to the weasel shown in the food web
above?

A. Three times greater than the energy transfer from the roadrunner to the bobcat

B. Half the energy transfer from chaparral plants to the meadow mouse

C. A quarter of the energy transfer from the quail to the bobcat

D. Approximately the same as the energy transfer from the meadow mouse to the opossum
(Total 1 mark)
33. Which of the following will promote variation in a species?

I. Meiosis
II. Fertilization
III. Natural selection

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

34. Why has antibiotic resistance evolved in bacteria?

A. All bacteria reproduce very quickly.

B. Bacteria exposed to antibiotics developed a resistance to them.

C. Varieties of bacteria resistant to antibiotics reproduce faster than non-resistant varieties.

D. Bacteria showing resistance to antibiotics survive after antibiotics are used.

(Total 1 mark)

35. What features distinguish Platyhelminthes from Annelida?

Platyhelminthes Annelida
A. segmented body non-segmented body
B. non-segmented body segmented body
C. bilateral symmetry no bilateral symmetry
D. no bilateral symmetry bilateral symmetry
(Total 1 mark)
36. Which taxa do Zerynthia rumina and Zerynthia polyxena share?

A. They share the same class but not the same family.

B. They share the same species but not the same class.

C. They share the same class but not the same genus.

D. They share the same family but not the same species.
(Total 1 mark)

37. The following diagram shows part of a food web from Yellowstone Park.

What would be the short-term effects on the populations of the other species if the gray wolf
were exterminated?

Beaver Moose Elk Aspen

A. Increase Decrease Increase Increase
B. Decrease Decrease Decrease Decrease
C. Increase Increase Decrease Increase
D. Decrease Increase Increase Decrease
(Total 1 mark)
38. Slime moulds (Acrasiomycota) are protoctists. They feed on decaying organic matter, bacteria
and protozoa.

Which of the terms describes their nutrition?

I. Detritivore
II. Autotroph
III. Heterotroph

A. I only

B. I and II only

C. I and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

39. Why do food chains in an ecosystem rarely contain more than five organisms?

A. Nutrients are recycled by the decomposers back to the producers.

B. Nutrients are lost from the ecosystem when organisms die.

C. The conversion of food into growth by an organism is not very efficient.

D. Energy is recycled by the decomposers back to the producers.

(Total 1 mark)

40. Several greenhouse gases occur in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of them but so
are methane (CH4) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Why are oxides of nitrogen classed as greenhouse gases?

A. They trap some of the long-wave radiation emitted by the Earths surface.

B. They prevent short-wave radiation from reaching the Earths surface.

C. They dissolve in rainwater to produce acid rain.

D. They are only produced by human activity whereas CO2 and CH4 are also produced
naturally.
(Total 1 mark)
41. Population growth, as shown by the curve below, is the result of changes in mortality, natality,
immigration and emigration. Which of the following statements about population growth is
correct?

A. In phase I there is no mortality.

B. In phase II mortality equals natality and immigration equals emigration.

C. In phase II mortality and emigration are less than natality and immigration.

D. In phase III mortality and emigration are less than natality and immigration.
(Total 1 mark)

42. Which of the organisms AD, identified by the key below, represents an Annelid?

1. Shows bilateral symmetry go to 2

Does not show bilateral symmetry Cnidaria

2. Has a segmented body go to 3

Does not have a segmented body go to 4

3. Has jointed legs A

Does not have jointed legs B

4. Has a shell C
Does not have a shell D
(Total 1 mark)
43. To which group do sponges belong?

A. Cnidaria

B. Filicinophyta

C. Porifera

D. Mollusca
(Total 1 mark)

44. Which process tends to reduce variety within a population?

A. Natural selection

B. Random fertilization

C. Independent assortment

D. Crossing over
(Total 1 mark)
45. The diagram below shows a population growth curve.

At which time in the population growth curve does the population size begin to decline?

A. Between the time marked 1 and 2

B. During the time marked 2

C. Between the time marked 2 and 3

D. The graph does not show a time when population size declines
(Total 1 mark)
46. The graph below shows variation in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere as measured at
Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The small inset graph shows the variations in CO2 during a one year
period.

[Source: adapted from Dr P Tans, NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory]

Why does the amount of CO2 fall between April and August?

A. Seasonal increase in the rate of photosynthesis in the northern hemisphere forests

B. Seasonal decrease in the rate of photosynthesis in the northern hemisphere forests

C. Seasonal decrease in the rate of fossil fuel consumption

D. Seasonal increase in the amount of CO2 dissolved in the oceans

(Total 1 mark)
47. The scarlet cup fungus (Sarcoscypha coccinea) obtains its nutrition from decaying wood by
releasing digestive enzymes into the wood and absorbing the digested products.

Which of the following terms describe(s) the fungus?

I. Autotroph
II. Heterotroph
III. Saprotroph

A. III only

B. II and III only

C. I and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

48. What is the mechanism of natural selection?

A. Any individuals in a population can be selected entirely by chance.

B. After a change in the environment a species will evolve adaptations to the new
conditions.

C. If an adaptation to the environment is useful, an individual will develop it and pass it on

to its offspring.

D. Variations amongst individuals of a population are selected by a changing environment.

(Total 1 mark)
49. The graph below shows variation in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere as measured at
Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The small inset graph shows the variations in CO2 during a one year
period.

[Source: adapted from Dr P Tans, NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory]

Why does the amount of CO2 fall between April and August?

A. Seasonal increase in the rate of photosynthesis in the northern hemisphere forests

B. Seasonal decrease in the rate of photosynthesis in the northern hemisphere forests

C. Seasonal decrease in the rate of fossil fuel consumption

D. Seasonal increase in the amount of CO2 dissolved in the oceans

(Total 1 mark)
50. The scarlet cup fungus (Sarcoscypha coccinea) obtains its nutrition from decaying wood by
releasing digestive enzymes into the wood and absorbing the digested products.

Which of the following terms describe(s) the fungus?

I. Autotroph
II. Heterotroph
III. Saprotroph

A. III only

B. II and III only

C. I and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

51. Zoophobas morio is an insect. Its larvae feed on bat feces in caves in Guatemala. What type of
organism is a Zoophobas morio larva?

A. Autotroph

B. Consumer

C. Detritivore

D. Saprotroph
(Total 1 mark)
52. The diagram below shows some of the links in the carbon cycle.

What processes are taking place at I, II and III?

I II III
A. photosynthesis fossilization combustion
B. cell respiration fossilization greenhouse effect
C. photosynthesis decomposition combustion
D. cell respiration decomposition greenhouse effect
(Total 1 mark)
53. Global warming threatens the survival of Arctic foxes. Which of the following factors could be
involved?

I. Competition with other fox species spreading north

II. Reduction in numbers of prey species of Arctic foxes
III. Decrease in oxygen availability to Arctic foxes

A. I only

B. I and II only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

54. Which graph shows the sigmoid population growth curve?

(Total 1 mark)
55. Charles Darwin used domesticated animals to provide evidence for evolution by natural
selection.
What is this evidence?

A. Differences between breeds show that selection can cause species to change.

B. The ancestors of domesticated animals can be found in the fossil record.

C. Some domesticated animals die because the environment cannot support them all.

D. Variation in domesticated animals is due to sexual reproduction.

(Total 1 mark)

56. Ants, bees and wasps are classified in the same order. What can be deduced about these
animals?

A. They are classified in the same class.

B. They are classified in different phyla.

C. They are classified in the same family.

D. They are classified in different kingdoms.

(Total 1 mark)

57. Pseudolarix amabilis produces seeds but not flowers. Physcomitrella patens has leaves but not
roots.
To which groups do they belong?

Pseudolarix amabilis Physcomitrella patens

A. coniferophyta filicinophyta
B. filicinophyta angiospermophyta
C. coniferophyta bryophyta
D. angiospermophyta coniferophyta
(Total 1 mark)
58. How is energy passed from one trophic level to the next?

I. Food
II. Light
III. Heat

A. I only

B. I and II only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

59. The food web below shows a community in central France 24 000 years ago.

Salix Lemmus
herbacea lemmus
Alopex
lagopus

Betula
Lepus Ursus
nana
arcticus spelaeus

Vaccinium Canis
Rangifer
oxycoccos lupus
tarandus

Cladonia
rangiferina
Homo
Megaloceros
sapiens
giganteus
Graminaceae
Mammuthus
primigenius
 Which statement is a correct description of Ursus spelaeus?

A. It is an omnivore which feeds on Lemmus lemmus.

B. It is a producer preyed upon by Vaccinium oxycoccos.

C. It is a top carnivore and a primary consumer.

D. It is a decomposer and it competes with Rangifer tarandus.

(Total 1 mark)

60. Which diagram shows the flow of energy through a community with three trophic levels?

A. B.

C. D.

(Total 1 mark)

61. According to the precautionary principle, what should happen if there are fears that eating a
food might cause a health problem?

A. People should be warned about the possible health problem.

B. The company producing the food should be warned about the possible health problem.

C. People who have fears about the food should test it to see if it causes a real health
problem.

D. The company producing the food should test the food to prove that it does not cause a
health problem.
(Total 1 mark)
62. If natality is slightly larger than mortality, and immigration is much larger than emigration,
what will happen to the size of a population?

A. It will increase

B. It will decrease

C. It will fluctuate up and down

D. It will remain constant

(Total 1 mark)

63. Which process has the greatest effect in determining which members of a population are most
likely to survive until reproductive age?

A. Evolution

B. Natural selection

C. Meiosis

D. Hybridization
(Total 1 mark)

64. In the hierarchy of taxa, what is in a family?

A. A group of classes

B. A group of genera

C. A group of orders

D. A group of phyla
(Total 1 mark)
65. Which group of organisms in the carbon cycle converts carbon into a form that is available to
primary consumers?

A. Decomposers

B. Detritus feeders

C. Producers

D. Secondary consumers
(Total 1 mark)

66. Which phylum does an animal belong to, if it has stinging tentacles and a mouth, but no anus?

A. Annelida

B. Cnidaria

C. Porifera

D. Platyhelminthes
(Total 1 mark)
67. The grey partridge (Perdix perdix) is a species of bird that is found on farmland. Sparrowhawks
(Accipiter nisus) and buzzards (Buteo buteo) are birds of prey that kill and feed on birds,
including grey partridge. The number of grey partridges in a region of southern England was
monitored from 1970 to 2004. The numbers of sparrowhawks and buzzards, seen from
sampling positions during regular observation periods, were counted. The results are shown in
the graph below.

[Source: Watson, M et al. 2007. Journal of Applied Ecology. Vol 44. Pp 972982. Reproduced with the permission
of Wiley Blackwell.]
(a) Outline the trends, over the period of time shown in the graph, in the number of grey
partridges, buzzards and sparrowhawks.

Grey partridges: ...........................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

Buzzards: .....................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

Sparrowhawks: ............................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)

The density of grey partridge (number per square kilometre) varied considerably in different
areas within the study region. The graph below shows the correlation between the density of
grey partridges and the density of birds of prey.

[Source: The Journal of Applied Ecology by BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Reproduced with permission of
BLACKWELL PUBLISHING LTD. in the format Journal via Copyright Clearance Center]
(b) (i) Identify the correlation between the density of grey partridges and birds of prey.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Suggest a hypothesis to account for this correlation.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

The highest density of birds of prey was found in areas used for recreational shooting. In these
areas, other species of partridge were bred and released. Food and shelter were provided for the
released birds. These measures tended to increase the number of both released and wild birds.

The causes of death of grey partridge were investigated in one of the areas that was used for
recreational shooting. The pie chart below shows the causes of death.

(c) (i) Calculate the percentage of deaths due to birds of prey.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
 (ii) Using the data provided, discuss the causes of the correlation between the density
of grey partridges and the density of birds of prey.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(d) Suggest a conservation measure that would be most likely to prevent the extinction of
grey partridges from southern England.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 11 marks)
68. During aerobic cell respiration, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced inside
cells. This generates concentration gradients between respiring cells and the environment,
which cause diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Both oxygen and carbon dioxide are
soluble in water. As the temperature rises, water becomes saturated at a lower concentration of
the gas.

Laternula elliptica is a mollusc that lives on the sea bed in Antarctica. Its body temperature is
always similar to that of the environment around it. To investigate the effect of temperature on
Laternula elliptica, specimens were kept in temperature-controlled aquaria. The oxygen
concentrations of water near the gills and in the body fluids were measured, at a range of
temperatures from 0C to 9C. The graph below shows the mean results.

[With kind permission from Springer Science+Business Media and the author.]

(a) (i) Outline the relationship between temperature and oxygen concentration in the
body fluids in Laternula elliptica.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)
 (ii) Suggest two reasons for the relationship.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) In its natural environment, Laternula elliptica buries itself in the mud on the sea bed.
In this investigation, it was found that above 6C it is unable to bury itself. Suggest a
reason for this.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(1)
The worlds oceans can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide. This process has been studied
in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii, by measuring carbon dioxide concentrations in the
atmosphere and in surface water every month, from October 1988 onwards. The graph below
shows the carbon dioxide concentration expressed as partial pressures (Pco2).

[Source: Nature by Nature Publishing Group. Reproduced with permission of Nature Publishing Group in the format
Journal via Copyright Clearance Centre.]

(c) (i) Describe the trends in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, shown in the
graph.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)
 (ii) Suggest two reasons for the trends that you have described.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(d) (i) Diffusion of carbon dioxide only occurs when there is a concentration gradient.
Deduce the pattern of carbon dioxide diffusion, between water and atmosphere,
from 1988 to 2002.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) The graph provides evidence for the hypothesis that there will be no net diffusion
of carbon dioxide between water and atmosphere by 2020. Explain this evidence.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is currently 385 ppm (parts per million).
Variations in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be studied using
ice-cores. An ice-core record covering the last 400 000 years has been obtained from Vostok in
the Antarctic. The graph below shows the carbon dioxide concentrations that were measured at
different depths in the ice. Atmospheric temperatures are also shown on the graph. These were
deduced from ratios of oxygen isotopes. The upper line on the graph shows CO2 concentrations
and the lower line shows temperature.

[Source: Nature by Nature Publishing Group. Reproduced with permission of Nature Publishing Group in the format
Journal via Copyright Clearance Centre.]

(e) (i) State the highest carbon dioxide concentration shown on the graph.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) State the highest temperature shown on the graph.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(f) Using the data in the graph, deduce the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide
concentration and temperature.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(1)
 (g) Using the data in this question, explain reasons for concern about the long-term survival
of Antarctic species, such as Laternula elliptica.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 18 marks)

69. Seasonal changes of heterotrophic plankton biomass were measured in the western arctic
Pacific during a one year period. The mesozooplankton, whose size is greater than 330 m, was
formed mainly by copepods. The microzooplankton, ranging from 10 to 200 m, comprised
mainly of ciliates and flagellates. Heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), size range 2 to 10 m,
are organisms that feed on small flagellates and bacteria. The results are shown below.

[Shinada, A et al. 2001. Seasonal dynamics of planktonic food chain in the Oyashio region, western subarctic
Pacific. Journal of Plankton Research. Vol 23, issue 11. Pp 12371248. Oxford University Press. Reproduced
with permission.]

(a) State the biomass of HNF found in this region in summer.

......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Calculate the percentage increase in mesozooplankton from summer to spring. Show
your working.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) Suggest how the seasonal changes cause the differences in biomass of heterotrophic
plankton.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
70. Methane produced by anaerobic bacteria contributes substantially to atmospheric methane
concentration. These bacteria are found in a variety of habitats. Some live inside the cytoplasm
of larger unicellular organisms and are known as endosymbionts. In marine sediments,
endosymbionts living in the cytoplasm of a group of unicellular organisms, known as ciliates,
can contribute up to 90% of methane production.

To see if endosymbionts in freshwater sediments had the same effect on methane production a
one-year study was carried out in Holland. The graph below shows the rate of methane
production by untreated sediment samples and sediment samples treated to kill the ciliates
containing endosymbionts. The standard deviations are indicated by bars. The total number of
ciliates is also indicated by circles.

key:
untreated
treated

150 3
Ciliate numbers / ml sediment

Rate of methane production /

mol methane g1 h1
100 2

50 1

0 0
O N D J F M A M J J A S
Time / months

[Source: AHAM van Hoek, et al., Acta Protozoologica, (2006), 45, pages 215224]

(a) State what the standard deviation indicates.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) State the maximum number of ciliates and the month in which the maximum occurs.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(c) Compare the methane production in the untreated and treated samples.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d) Deduce, with reasons, whether the endosymbionts in the ciliates are responsible for the
methane produced by the sediment samples.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(e) Explain how methane and other greenhouse gases cause global warming.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
Models predict global warming will cause sea temperatures to rise by approximately 2C by
2100. An investigation was carried out to study the effect of slight increases in temperature on
the ability of Antarctic marine molluscs to carry out basic activities essential for survival.

The graph below shows the effect of temperature on the percentage of limpets (Nacella
concinna) able to right themselves after being turned over.

100

80
% righting in 24hrs

60

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Temperature / C

[Source: LS Peck, Frontiers in Zoology, (2005), 2:9]

(f) Outline what the two parts of the scientific name Nacella concinna refer to.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(g) State the relationship between temperature and the percentage righting in N. concinna.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(h) Estimate the percentage change of N. concinna able to right themselves when the
temperature is raised from 0C to 2.5C.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
 (i) At present, the maximum summer temperature in the normal Antarctic environment of
this organism is 1C. Suggest what might be the effect on the survival of this organism if
the predicted rise in sea temperature due to global warming occurs.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 13 marks)

71. Triarthus was a trilobite that lived on Earth about 500 million years ago. The diagrams below
show its structure, viewed from above and below. The structure was discovered by studying
fossils of Triarthus.

[Source: R Fortrey, (2000), Trilobite!, page 62]

(a) There are many animals living on Earth today that belong to the same phylum as the
trilobites, but there are no living trilobites. Deduce, with a reason, the phylum to which
Triarthus belonged.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)
 (b) Outline the evidence for evolution provided by fossils.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) Some trilobites swam in clear, shallow water and had very large eyes. Suggest how
species with large eyes could evolve from species with smaller eyes.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

72. The food web below shows some of the feeding relationships found between the organisms
living in or near a river in England.
(a) Identify an organism in the food web that is

(i) an autotroph.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) both a secondary and tertiary consumer.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) Explain how the flow of energy in the food web differs from the movement of nutrients.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) Discuss reasons why the levels of a pyramid of energy differ in size.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
73. Below is a graph of atmospheric CO2 levels measured at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii.

[Source: adapted from Dr P Tans, NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory]

(a) Explain the observed changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration from 1960 to 2005.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) Outline the precautionary principle.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
74. (a) Define the terms species, population and community.

Species: ............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

Population: ............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

Community: ............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
(3)

(b) Explain the shape of the pyramids of energy that are constructed by ecologists to
represent energy flow in an ecosystem.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
75. Limpets are small animals that feed on the green algae which grow on rocks on seashores.
Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) are birds that feed on limpets.

In a study on the north-west coast of the USA, where three limpet species are common (Lottia
digitalis, Lottia pelta and Lottia strigatella), the limpets were protected from the oystercatchers
by large wire cages. After two years the number of limpets in this area was compared with the
number of limpets in an area without cages, where oystercatchers were present.

[Source: Wooton, J T. 1992. Indirect effects, prey susceptibility, and habitat selection: impacts of birds on limpets
and algae. Ecology. Vol 73. Pp 981991. Copyright by the Ecological Society of America.]

(a) State the effect that the exclusion of the oystercatchers had on the total number of
limpets per m2.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Construct a food web to show the feeding relationship between the three species of
limpets, the oystercatchers and the green algae.

(2)

(c) Suggest reasons for the difference in numbers of L. strigatella between the areas where
oystercatchers were present and where oystercatchers were excluded.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)
There is evidence to show that both air and water temperatures have increased over a period of
time. An investigation was undertaken to determine the effect this change in climate had on the
populations of another species of limpet, Patella depressa, around south-west England.
The population of the limpet was recorded in many locations and around 30 years later, this
study was repeated. The chart below compares the population in each of the locations.

[Source: Burrows, M T et al. 2009. Predicting the effects of marine climate change on the invertebrate prey of the
birds of rocky shores: Predicting effects of climate change on invertebrates. IBIS (Special Edition). Vol 145. Pp
4047.]

(d) On the map above label one location,

(i) with the letter X, where the limpet population was abundant in the 1950s and
occasional in the 1980s (19801984).
(1)

(ii) with the letter Y, where the limpet population was abundant in both the 1950s and
in the 1980s (19801984).
(1)

(e) Outline, using the data, the overall trend in the limpet population from the 1950s to the
1980s (19801984).

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)
 (f) Suggest two reasons for the change in limpet population between the 1950s and the
1980s (19801984).

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

76. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Draw a labelled sigmoid population growth curve.

(4)

(b) Outline the process of spermatogenesis in humans.

(5)

(c) Explain the structure and function of the placenta during pregnancy.
(9)
(Total 20 marks)

77. (a) Outline the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) Identify which phyla of plants fit each of the brief descriptions below.
 (i) Evergreen woody plant; leaves are shaped like needles; seed-producing with
reproductive structures in cones.

Phylum: ....................................................................................................

(ii) Underground stem that bears roots and leaves called fronds; spores develop in
spore cases called sporangia located on the underside of fronds.

Phylum: ....................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

78. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Living organisms at every trophic level are part of the carbon cycle. Draw a labelled
diagram of the carbon cycle to show the processes involved.
(9)
(b) Explain, using an example of a food chain, how trophic levels can be deduced.
(4)

(c) Explain methods that can be used to measure the rate of photosynthesis.
(5)

(Total 20 marks)
79. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Describe what is meant by a food chain using an example with four named organisms.
(4)

(b) Outline how global warming may affect arctic ecosystems.

(5)

(c) Explain how natural selection can lead to evolution using antibiotic resistance in bacteria
as an example.
(9)
(Total 20 marks)
80. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Plants are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms. Describe the different characteristics
of the bryophyta, filicinophyta, coniferophyta and angiospermophyta.
(9)

(b) Plants store carbohydrate in the form of starch. Explain the reasons for starch being
digested by the human digestive system.
(4)
 (c) Compare the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
(5)
(Total 20 marks)

81. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Describe the movement of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem.

(6)

(b) Explain how sexual reproduction can eventually lead to evolution in offspring.
(8)
(c) Using simple external recognition features, distinguish between the plant phyla
bryophyta and angiospermophyta.
(4)
(Total 20 marks)
82. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Draw a labelled graph showing a sigmoid (S-shaped) population growth curve.
(4)
(b) Describe what is meant by a food chain and a food web.
(6)
(c) Explain the relationship between rises in concentration of atmospheric gases and the
enhanced greenhouse effect.
(8)
(Total 20 marks)
83. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Draw a labelled diagram of the adult female reproductive system.

(4)

(b) Describe how natural selection leads to evolution.

(6)

(c) Explain the consequences of altering a DNA base in the genome of an organism.
(8)
(Total 20 marks)

84. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Draw and label a diagram of the molecular structure of DNA.

(4)

(b) Explain the consequences of a base substitution mutation in relation to the processes of
transcription and translation.
(8)

(c) Outline the evidence for evolution provided by homologous structures.

(6)
(Total 20 marks)

85. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a) Draw a labelled graph showing a typical sigmoid growth curve.

(4)
(b) Outline the consequences of an increased greenhouse effect on arctic ecosystems.
(6)

(c) Explain how natural selection leads to evolution.

(8)
(Total 20 marks)