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1.
B.
C.
A group of species living and interacting with each other in a given area
D.
2.
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?
IB Questionbank Biology
A.
4.
5.
1 only
B.
2 only
C.
1 and 2 only
D.
3 only
Two different trees have been classified as Pinus pinea and Pinus nigra. Which of the following
statements is correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A collection of four animal specimens is observed and a dichotomous key is applied. Which
specimen is an arthropod?
1.
2.
3.
A.
Specimen A
B.
Specimen B
C.
Specimen C
D.
Specimen D
IB Questionbank Biology
6.
A community
B.
An ecosystem
C.
A population
D.
A trophic level
(Total 1 mark)
7.
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.
B.
C.
D.
8.
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.
D.
9.
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)
10.
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.
carbon dioxide in air/water; (sugars/carbon compounds in) plants/producers; (carbon
compounds in) animals/consumers; (carbon trapped in) coal/oil/gas/fossil fuels;
IB Questionbank Biology
The following should show arrows in direction of carbon flow. carbon dioxide absorbed by
plants/producers and used in photosynthesis; carbon dioxide released by (cell)
respiration in plants/producers; plants/producers eaten by animals/primary
consumers/herbivores; primary consumers eaten by secondary consumers; carbon
dioxide released by (cell) respiration in animals/consumers; plants/animals die and are
decomposed by (saprotrophic) bacteria/fungi; carbon dioxide released by combustion of
coal/oil/gas/fossil fuels; carbon dioxide released by (cell) respiration in bacteria/fungi/
decomposers; forest fires/combustion releases carbon dioxide from trees/plants; carbon
dioxide emitted by volcanoes;
b)
Explain, using an example of a food chain, how trophic levels can be deduced.
diagram of food chain showing at least three organisms and two
linkages with arrows showing direction of energy flow;
trophic level is a step/position in the movement/flow of energy
through an ecosystem;
(in a field situation) observe which organisms eat each other;
producer/name from example (first trophic level) does not eat other
organisms/captures energy through photosynthesis;
primary consumer/name from example (second trophic level) feeds
on producers;
secondary consumer/name from example (third trophic level) feeds
on primary consumers;
Since the command term is explain, the answer must be explicit to
gain marking points df. Named examples for producer and
consumers in diagram or explained example must represent
a coherent food chain. Reject chains using general names
such as fish or tree or grass. But, accept sardine or oak.
(c)
IB Questionbank Biology
Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(a) Describe what is meant by a food chain using an example with four named
organisms.
food chains describe the feeding relationships between species;
arrows show (one) path of energy flow in an ecosystem / energy
flow described;
food chain with arrows pointing in the correct direction;
producer first step in chain;
three other named organisms making a realistic food chain;
4 max
Accept explicit common names exact enough to identify the food
source e.g. Oak not tree, sparrow not bird, rye grass not just grass, etc.
(b)
(c)
Explain how natural selection can lead to evolution using antibiotic resistance in bacteria
as an example.
members of a population of the same species show variation;
some organisms are more likely to survive due to selective
advantage / survival of the fittest;
some organisms have a reproductive advantage;
these variations may be genetically controlled/heritable;
these genes are most likely to be passed on to offspring;
this can change the characteristic of the population;
bacteria can normally be killed with antibiotics;
antibiotics impose a selection pressure;
if a few bacteria have natural resistance to the antibiotic
they will survive;
if the resistance is heritable they will pass it on to their offspring;
they will reproduce/evolve to form bacterial colonies resistant
to the antibiotic;
example of organism selected by use of antibiotic;
IB Questionbank Biology
(a)
(b)
(c)
Suggest the relationship between defoliation and the amount of terrestrial invertebrates in
the forest.
negative relationship / during period of defoliation, biomass
(of terrestrial invertebrates) is at its lowest;
less leaves means less food/habitats / easier for predators to
see invertebrates;
defoliation occurs in winter/autumn and the cold may kill
invertebrates;
(d)
Suggest a possible explanation for the pattern in aquatic invertebrate flux to the forest
seen between the months of June and December.
(aquatic invertebrate flux) decreases because movement to the
forest has occurred (by adult forms) / fewer aquatic invertebrates
left in the stream so fewer are moving;
fluctuation due to movement of different species/different life
cycles/second generation;
decreases because invertebrates left at the beginning of
winter/cold season;
IB Questionbank Biology
Explain why the carnivores in an ecosystem tend to be fewer in number and have a
smaller biomass than the herbivores in the same ecosystem.
energy transfer along the food chain is less than 100% efficient; 10% energy transfer
between trophic levels;
nutrient transfer is less than 100% efficient; each carnivore needs to consume many prey
organisms; tendency for size of organisms to increase as trophic level increases; 2
max
(2)
(c)
14.
The introduction of alien species and the release of environmental pollutants are examples of
human activities that have an impact on the environment.
(a)
Example
Effect
Nile Perch
IB Questionbank Biology
North America)
aggressive behaviour
(2)
(b)
15.
Competition between genetically similar species of birds may lead to changes of one or more
characteristics. One characteristic that results from this kind of selection is differences in the
beaks. Researchers studied the beak lengths of two species of warblers. The graphs below show
the beak lengths of Pine Warblers (Dendroica pinus) and Yellow-throated Warblers (Dendroica
dominica) from three geographically isolated areas in the USA.
IB Questionbank Biology
[Source: R Ficken et al. 1968. Evolution. Vol 27. Pp 307314. Republished with the permission of Wiley-Blackwell.]
(a)
(i)
(ii)
Determine the difference in the mean beak length of the two populations of Yellowthroated Warblers in Midwest and Delmarva.
2.6 mm (accept answers in the range of 2.5 mm to 2.7 mm)
(1)
(iii) Compare the range of variation in beak length of the Yellow-throated Warblers in
Midwest to the beak length of the Yellow-throated Warblers in Delmarva.
Yellow-throated Warblers have a bigger range / greater variation (of beak length)
in Delmarva than in Midwest (accept numerical values)
(1)
(b)
(c)
(Total 7 marks)
IB Questionbank Biology
16.
Cadmium is a heavy metal that can be toxic to many species. In a study, the concentration of
cadmium was examined in the tissues of three soil arthropods, Neobisium muscorum,
Platynothrus peltifer and Notiophilus biguttatus. The shaded area of each graph indicates the
time that the organisms were exposed to cadmium in their environment, while the unshaded area
indicates the time when cadmium was not present in their environment.
[Source: M P M Janssen. 1991. Comparison of cadmium kinetics in four soil arthropod species. Archives of
Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Vol 20. P 3.]
(a)
IB Questionbank Biology
10
(b)
Determine, with a reason from the data, which species is unable to eliminate cadmium.
Neobisium muscorum; level of cadmium remains high / does not decrease (when
cadmium is removed);
(2)
(c)
(i)
(ii)
Suggest, with observations from the data, a reason why the species stated in (c)(i)
accumulates the least cadmium.
can excrete/remove/eliminate cadmium (from its tissues); faster
reduction/removal / drops to lowest level after cadmium exposure; cadmium levels
stop rising sooner/rise slowing by day ten; is less tolerant/dies when cadmium
reaches a certain concentration; exposed to cadmium for a shorter time/period
(2)
(d)
Describe the possible effects of the presence of cadmium in food chains involving these
arthropods.
cadmium accumulates along food chain / biomagnification / bioaccumulation; heavy
metals cause abnormal growth/behaviour/death/failure to reproduce; Notiophilus
biguttatus has less effect on the food chain (as it accumulates less); cadmium
harmful/lethal to organisms at/near the end of the food chain; (death of arthropods) may
change soil quality
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
IB Questionbank Biology
11
17.
(b)
18.
temperature range
desert;
xerophytes / succulent /
sparse low-lying bushes
adapted to water
conservation;
savannah;
hot (2030C);
tropical rainforest;
taiga;
coniferous/evergreen trees
densely packed (few species);
tundra;
IB Questionbank Biology
12
(b)
19.
Habitats
B.
Populations
C.
Abiotic factors
D.
20.
Oxides of nitrogen
II.
Carbon dioxide
III.
Methane
A.
I and II only
B.
C.
D.
I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
21.
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.
B.
A decrease in hunting
C.
A decrease in predation
D.
22.
IB Questionbank Biology
13
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)
IB Questionbank Biology
14
23.
The air in urban areas contains a variety of pollutants, including particles of solids and gases.
The table below shows the pH of rain in urban areas of New York and rural areas nearby.
The concentration of four air pollutants is also shown. The concentrations of gases are measured
in parts per billion (ppb).
Area
Lead /
g m3
Nitrogen dioxide /
ppb
Nitrous oxide /
ppb
Sulfur dioxide /
ppb
pH of rain
Urban
0.09
37.7
39.3
18.7
4.3
Rural
0.04
6.2
0.5
2.3
4.2
[Source: Nature by Nature Publishing Group. Reproduced with permission of Nature Publishing Group in the format
Journal via Copyright Clearance Center.]
(a)
(i)
(ii)
Tree planting has been suggested as a way of improving air quality in urban areas. The growth
of Populus deltoides in urban and rural areas near New York was investigated. Trees were
grown in pots containing the same type of soil in all areas. High levels of mineral nutrients in
the soil ensured that lack of nutrients was not the limiting factor on growth rates. The growth of
the trees above ground (shoot biomass) and below ground (root biomass) was measured after
one year. The bar chart below shows the results for two rural areas (open bars) and four urban
areas (filled bars).
IB Questionbank Biology
15
[Source: Nature by Nature Publishing Group. Reproduced with permission of Nature Publishing Group in the format
Journal via Copyright Clearance Center.]
(b)
Outline the conclusions that can be drawn about the growth of Populus deltoides from the
data in the bar chart.
(overall) growth/biomass was greater in urban areas; greater growth/biomass in urban
areas for roots / below ground; greater growth/biomass for shoots / above ground;
growth/biomass was (more) variable in urban areas; shoot/above ground growth/biomass
always greater than root biomass;
(2)
(c)
Discuss whether the differences in growth rates of Populus deltoides between urban and
rural areas could be due to
(i)
differences in the acidity of rain.
unlikely to be the cause because differences in pH are small 1
(1)
(ii)
IB Questionbank Biology
16
The histograms below show the range of ozone exposure between May and September in urban
and rural areas near New York.
[Source: Nature by Nature Publishing Group. Reproduced with permission of Nature Publishing Group in the format
Journal via Copyright Clearance Center.]
(d)
Compare the seasonal ozone exposures in urban, agricultural and forested areas.
lowest ozone exposures in urban areas / highest ozone exposure in rural/agricultural
areas; lower ozone exposure in forested than agricultural areas; highest range in
agricultural areas / lowest range in forested areas; wide range of ozone exposures in
each area;
(2)
IB Questionbank Biology
17
The concentrations of ozone and the shoot growth of Populus deltoides were measured at eight
sites. The results are shown in the scattergraph below.
[Source: Nature by Nature Publishing Group. Reproduced with permission of Nature Publishing Group in the format
Journal via Copyright Clearance Center.]
(e)
Using the data in the scattergraph and in previous parts of this question, suggest a
hypothesis for differences in the growth of Populus deltoides between urban and rural
areas. Give reasons for your hypothesis.
(strong) negative correlation/lower shoot biomass/less growth with higher ozone
exposure; ozone exposure is lower in urban areas/other reference to graph;
ozone is toxic/damages plants impacts photosynthesis; (hypothesis is) higher growth
rates (in urban areas) are due to lower ozone exposure; (hypothesis is) both
factors/ozone and air pollution may have played a role in growth differences; 3 max Do
not accept hypotheses involving pH. Accept converse of above points.
(3)
(Total 13 marks)
24.
Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)
(a) All organisms in an ecosystem are involved in the carbon cycle. Outline the roles of
living organisms in the carbon cycle.
plants/producers fix carbon (dioxide)/use carbon (dioxide) in photosynthesis;
sugars/carbon compounds (produced) in plants/producers from photosynthesis;
(carbon compounds in) plants/producers eaten by animals/primary
consumers/herbivores; (carbon compounds in) primary consumers eaten by
secondary consumers/ passed along food chain; carbon compounds/sugars/organic
molecules digested and absorbed by consumers; carbon dioxide released by cell
IB Questionbank Biology
18
(b)
Explain how triose phosphate is produced and used in the chloroplasts of a plant.
ribulose bisphosphate/RuBP and carbon dioxide react together; (this is) carbon
fixation/part of light-independent reactions; catalysed by RuBP carboxylase/Rubisco;
glycerate 3-phosphate/GP produced; glycerate 3-phosphate/GP reduced/converted to
triose phosphate/TP; using NADPH/(NADPH+H+) and ATP; from the lightdependent reactions; some triose phosphate used to regenerate RuBP; some triose
phosphate used to synthesize glucose (phosphate)/starch
(5)
(c)
25.
(a)
The food web below shows some of the feeding relationships found between the organisms
living in or near a river in England.
IB Questionbank Biology
19
(i)
an autotroph.
diatoms / (other) algae 1
(1)
(ii)
(b)
Explain how the flow of energy in the food web differs from the movement of nutrients.
nutrients are recycled in a food web and energy enters and leaves/is not recycled;
nutrients are recycled by saprotrophs/returned to environment and reused; while energy
(enters as light and) is dispersed as heat
(2)
(c)
26.
(a) (i)
State the name of the biome in which there is little precipitation and
temperatures are very low.
tundra1
(1)
(ii)
(b)
Outline the consequences of the edge effect for small nature reserves.
edge effect is the contrast between different environments/from central area of reserve;
small reserves have more edge effect; as fragmentation increases so does edge (effect);
example of edge effect (e.g. cowbirds that lay eggs in edge will increase)
(2)
(c)
(Total 6
marks)
IB Questionbank Biology
20
27.
Some organisms have adopted r-strategies and some have adopted K-strategies. Discuss the
environmental conditions that favour each of these strategies.
r-strategy occurs in unstable environment/where there are ecological disruptions; resources
used to maximize reproducing (once); for example in coastal rock pools / other example;
pathogens/pest species have r-strategies / other example of r-strategy organism; in
stable/predictable environments K-strategy predominates;
more resources are invested for long-term survival; for example in forests / other example; trees
/ humans / whales / other example of K-strategy organism; difficult to determine strategy / rand K-strategies represent two extremes in a range of strategies;
(Total 6 marks)
28.
(b)
(c)
IB Questionbank Biology
21
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
29.
30.
What is a community?
A.
B.
C.
D.
31.
kJ m2 yr1
B.
kJ m1 yr1
C.
J m3 s1
D.
J m2 s1
(Total 1 mark)
32.
What is a potential consequence of the rise in global temperatures on the Arctic ecosystem?
A.
B.
C.
D.
33.
Decrease in prey
II.
Decrease in parasites
IB Questionbank Biology
22
III.
Increase in predators
A.
I and II only
B.
C.
D.
I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
34.
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.
D.
They belong to the same genus and are the same species.
(Total 1 mark)
35.
What will happen to the sizes of the populations in the food web above if the sea otter
disappears?
IB Questionbank Biology
23
A.
B.
C.
D.
36.
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)
37.
A.
B.
C.
D.
IB Questionbank Biology
24
IB Questionbank Biology
25
39.
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: grey partridge numbers/pairs reduced
Buzzards: buzzard numbers increased
Sparrowhawks: sparrowhawk numbers no clear trend/no overall rise or fall
(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.
IB Questionbank Biology
26
[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.
Negative correlation/inverse proportion/bird of prey density falls as partridge
density rises
(1)
(ii)
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.
IB Questionbank Biology
27
(c)
(i)
(ii)
Using the data provided, discuss the causes of the correlation between the density
of grey partridges and the density of birds of prey.
(d)
Suggest a conservation measure that would be most likely to prevent the extinction of
grey partridges from southern England.
40.
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.
28
(b)
Plants store carbohydrate in the form of starch. Explain the reasons for starch being
digested by the human digestive system.
(c)
nucleus;
naked DNA
loop of DNA
strands of DNA;
no mitochondria
mitochondria;
internal membranes/organelles/
Golgi/ER/lysosomes;
(5)
(Total 20 marks)
41.
Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)
(a)
29
100% efficient;
lost as metabolic heat/organic waste;
energy flow can be illustrated by pyramid shape;
organisms absorb nutrients from food/environment;
nutrients occur as complex organic matter in living organisms;
after death, saprotrophic bacteria and fungi (decomposers) breakdown
complex organic matter;
breakdown products are simpler substances;
absorbed into plants for resynthesis into complex organic matter/recycled
(6)
(b)
(c)
Using simple external recognition features, distinguish between the plant phyla bryophyta
and angiospermophyta.
bryophyta
angiospermophyta
nonvascular/unspecialized tissue/no
veins
vascular/specialized
tissue/veins;
small/height up to 7 cm
have flowers;
microscopic spores
covered seeds/fruits;
roots;
(4)
(Total 20 marks)
42.
The element arsenic (As) is not needed for plant growth and development. The accumulation of
arsenic in the Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata) was studied. Young ferns with five or six leaves
were transplanted to soil contaminated with arsenic and were grown for 20 weeks in a
greenhouse.
The graph below shows the arsenic concentrations in leaves and roots of the Chinese brake fern
1
during the 20 weeks after transplanting. Arsenic concentration is expressed as mg As kg dry
weight of plant.
IB Questionbank Biology
30
[Used with permission, from Journal of Environmental Quality. 2002. Vol 31. Pp 16711675.]
IB Questionbank Biology
31
(a)
Using the data in the graph, describe the accumulation of arsenic in the Chinese brake
fern.
arsenic accumulates in leaves; arsenic concentration (in leaves) increases rapidly in the
first 7 weeks; arsenic (in leaves) increases from 0 to approximately
1
1
6000 mg kg at 7 weeks; maximum arsenic level (in leaves) is about 7500 mg kg
at end of experiment/valid numerical example; after week 7 arsenic concentration in
plant increases more slowly/begins to plateau; arsenic concentration in roots remains
relatively unchanged throughout the experiment;
(3)
The table below shows the total amount of arsenic accumulated by the Chinese brake fern,
expressed as a concentration in the plant tissue and as a percentage of the arsenic originally in
the soil.
Time / weeks
Arsenic concentration
1
in fern / mg As kg
0.00
66
0.05
221
0.15
408
0.28
1300
0.88
12
5390
3.68
16
13800
9.43
20
37900
25.90
[Adapted from Sinton, L W et al. 1999. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Vol 65, issue 8. Pp 36053613.
Published by the American Society for Microbiology, 1752 N Street N.W., Washington, DC 20036, USA. Reproduced
with permission.]
(b)
(i)
Assuming the mean rate of arsenic accumulation over the first 20 weeks continued,
calculate how long it would take to remove all the arsenic from the soil.
77 weeks
(1)
(ii)
Using the data in the table, discuss the potential of using Chinese brake fern to
remove all arsenic from contaminated soil.
Chinese brake fern could be used to remove arsenic from soil;
after 20 weeks about 25% of soil arsenic removed by fern;
arsenic concentration increases (rapidly) in fern (tissue) in 20 weeks;
eventually/longer periods may reach toxic levels for plant
(2)
(c)
Suggest one possible consequence of arsenic accumulation in plants for other organisms
in the community.
IB Questionbank Biology
32
plants may become toxic for consumers; arsenic may accumulate in the food chain /
biomagnification
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
43.
(a)
(b)
Outline a method used to correlate the distribution of plant species with an abiotic factor.
Transect used when there is a transition in habitats and populations; description of use of
a line or belt transect; height variation/light intensity/salinity/various abiotic factors can
be recorded; along the transect, along with sampling of plant species present
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
44.
(a)
State one example of the accidental release of an alien species that has had a significant
impact on an ecosystem.
zebra mussel (Dreissenapolymorpha originally from Russia/Caspian)
carried in ships ballast water and introduced into Great Lakes / rats
accidentally introduced to mainland of New Zealand from visiting
ships / Africanized honey bees introduced to Brazil (killer bees)
(1)
(b)
45.
IB Questionbank Biology
33
46.
Invasion of alien species has become a serious issue in most environments of the world.
This study of Nordic environments charts the presence of alien species over the last century.
Relative proportions of invertebrates, vertebrates and plants and fungi are indicated in each bar.
IB Questionbank Biology
34
(a)
(i)
State the ecosystem in which the proportion of alien vertebrates is the greatest.
Freshwater
(1)
(ii)
Describe the general pattern of the numbers of alien species in terrestrial and
marine ecosystems.
Increases exponentially
(1)
(b)
Suggest a reason why alien plant and fungi invasion is greatest in the terrestrial
ecosystem.
plants are purposely transported by people to new places for their use; the ecosystem is
changing/warming so new kinds of plants are now able to survive/compete with native
plants; only a few plants are aquatic so few would be expected in water; fungal
spores/seeds can travel more easily in air; terrestrial ecosystems provide more suitable
habitats
(1)
(c)
(d)
47.
(a)
IB Questionbank Biology
35
(b)
48.
(a)
(b)
name of ecosystem:
e.g. (tropical) rainforest;
ethical reason:
every species has a right to life, regardless of whether it is useful/non
useful to humans;
potential of undiscovered medicines;
ecological reasons:
better use of the rainforest may occur by respecting the existing balance
in concert with the indigenous people;
native species are adapted to local conditions whereas invasive species
are less likely to be in balance;
species in the rainforest are interdependent so loss of species threatens
the rest of the community;
deforestation of rainforests increases soil erosion/silting of rivers/flooding/
CO2 atmospheric levels;
economic reasons:
ecotourism is a potential source of income;
aesthetic reasons:
loss of beauty of the system;
artists are inspired by the images/flowers/animals of rainforests;
heritage/cultural reasons:
maintenance of the rainforest preserves human cultural diversity;
(5)
(Total 6 marks)
49.
Exponential phase
B.
Transitional phase
C.
Plateau phase
IB Questionbank Biology
36
D.
Growth phase
(Total 1 mark)
50.
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)
51.
B.
C.
D.
52.
B.
Flat body
C.
Hard exoskeleton
D.
Presence of cnidocytes
(Total 1 mark)
53.
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.
IB Questionbank Biology
37
[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.
oxygen concentration falls as temperature rises / negative correlation/
inverse relationship;
steady decline below 4.2/4.3/4.4C / vice versa:
rapid decrease between 4.2/4.3/4.4C and 5C;
zero oxygen concentration at/above 9 C
(2)
(ii)
(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.
not enough energy/ATP/aerobic respiration (for muscle contraction/movement)
(1)
IB Questionbank Biology
38
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 (Pco 2).
[Source: Nature by Nature Publishing Group. Reproduced with permission of Nature Publishing Group in the format
Journal via Copyright Clearance Centre.]
(c)
(i)
(ii)
Suggest two reasons for the trends that you have described.
(CO2 emissions from) increased burning of fossil fuels/deforestation/
other anthropogenic factor;
variation in photosynthesis rates during the year / variations in CO2
uptake in the oceans
(2)
IB Questionbank Biology
39
(d)
(i)
(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.
(no net diffusion because) concentrations will become equal / there
will be no gradient;
water concentration higher than atmospheric concentration as often
as atmospheric concentration higher than water concentration
(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 icecores. 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 CO 2 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)
IB Questionbank Biology
40
(ii)
(f)
Using the data in the graph, deduce the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide
concentration and temperature.
positive correlation / higher temperature with higher CO 2 concentration
(1)
(g)
Using the data in this question, explain reasons for concern about the long-term survival
of Antarctic species, such as Laternula elliptica.
oceans may cease to act as sink / store for CO2;
atmospheric CO2 concentration may then rise more rapidly;
atmospheric CO2 concentration is higher than for at least 400 000 years/
any time in recent (geological) time;
Antarctic temperatures will (probably) rise higher than at any time in
400 000 years/any time in recent (geological) time;
rising (sea water) temperature would reduce oxygen availability in water;
significant changes in habitat/abiotic factors;
populations may not be able to adapt
(3)
(Total 18 marks)
54.
The element arsenic (As) is not needed for plant growth and development. The accumulation of
arsenic in the Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata) was studied. Young ferns with five or six leaves
were transplanted to soil contaminated with arsenic and were grown for 20 weeks in a
greenhouse.
The graph below shows the arsenic concentrations in leaves and roots of the Chinese brake fern
1
during the 20 weeks after transplanting. Arsenic concentration is expressed as mg As kg dry
weight of plant.
IB Questionbank Biology
41
[Used with permission, from Journal of Environmental Quality. 2002. Vol 31. Pp 16711675.]
(a)
Using the data in the graph, describe the accumulation of arsenic in the Chinese brake
fern
arsenic accumulates in leaves; arsenic concentration (in leaves) increases rapidly in the
first 7 weeks; arsenic (in leaves) increases from 0 to approximately
1
1
6000 mg kg at 7 weeks; maximum arsenic level (in leaves) is about 7500 mg kg at end
of
experiment / valid numerical example; after week 7 arsenic concentration in plant
increases more slowly/ begins to plateau; arsenic concentration in roots remains
relatively unchanged throughout the experiment
(3)
The table below shows the total amount of arsenic accumulated by the Chinese brake fern,
expressed as a concentration in the plant tissue and as a percentage of the arsenic originally in
the soil.
Time / weeks
IB Questionbank Biology
Arsenic concentration
1
in fern / mg As kg
0.00
66
0.05
221
0.15
408
0.28
1300
0.88
12
5390
3.68
16
13800
9.43
20
37900
25.90
42
[Adapted from Sinton, L W et al. 1999. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Vol 65, issue 8. Pp 36053613.
Published by the American Society for Microbiology, 1752 N Street N.W., Washington, DC 20036, USA.
(b)
(i)
Assuming the mean rate of arsenic accumulation over the first 20 weeks continued,
calculate how long it would take to remove all the arsenic from the soil.
77 weeks
(1)
(ii)
Using the data in the table, discuss the potential of using Chinese brake fern to
remove arsenic from contaminated soil.
Chinese brake fern could be used to remove arsenic from soil;
after 20 weeks about 25% of soil arsenic removed by fern;
arsenic concentration increases (rapidly) in fern (tissue)
in 20 weeks;
eventually/longer periods may reach toxic levels for plant
(2)
(c)
Suggest one possible consequence of arsenic accumulation in plants for other organisms
in the community.
plants may become toxic for consumers; arsenic may accumulate in the food chain /
biomagnification
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
55.
IB Questionbank Biology
43
(a)
(b)
Outline a method that could be used to estimate the population of rabbits in this
environment.
capturemarkreleaserecapture method;
marked unit area;
apply a paint spot/ear tag/leg ring/radio transmitter to the captured rabbits;
sufficient time must elapse to allow mixing of population to occur;
second capture must be from same marked area;
n1 n 2
calculate the Lincoln index / population size = n3 ;
n1 = first capture, n2 = second capture, n3 = number marked in
second capture
(4)
(c)
The Simpson diversity index is used to calculate the species richness in an ecosystem.
N ( N 1)
D=
n(n 1)
56.
57.
(a)
IB Questionbank Biology
44
a niche is the place where an organism lives and the roles that it plays in
its habitat;
fundamental niche of a species is the potential mode of existence while
realized niche of a species is the actual mode of existence;
fundamental niche depends on species adaptations while the realized
niche also depends on competition with other species
(2)
(b)
Outline the changes in species diversity and production during primary succession.
one/few species/lichens/moss at the start;
pioneer community slowly increases in species diversity;
production gradually increases as more soil develops/better conditions/
more diversity
(2)
(c)
Outline, using examples, the biogeographical features of nature reserves that promote the
conservation of diversity.
size; edge effect; example of edge effect; habitat corridor; example of habitat corridor;
habitat/niche diversity; human management;
e.g. size:
large reserves usually promote diversity more effectively than small ones;
edge effect:
cause different ecology of central areas compared to edges;
example of edge effect:
cowbird lays eggs in nests of other birds near edges of forests / fragmentation
of forests increased cowbirds as more edges;
habitat corridor:
permit organisms to move between different parts of a fragmented habitat;
example of habitat corridor:
tunnels under roads;
habitat/niche diversity:
functioning reserve requires a diversity of niches to support the ecosystem
structure;
human management:
banning hunting/lumbering/petroleum exploitation;
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
IB Questionbank Biology
45
58.
59.
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.
D.
Approximately the same as the energy transfer from the meadow mouse to the opossum
(Total 1 mark)
60.
segmented body
IB Questionbank Biology
Annelida
non-segmented body
46
B.
non-segmented body
segmented body
C.
bilateral symmetry
no bilateral symmetry
D.
no bilateral symmetry
bilateral symmetry
(Total 1 mark)
61.
(a)
(b)
62.
(a)
(b)
63.
They share the same class but not the same family.
B.
They share the same species but not the same class.
IB Questionbank Biology
47
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)
64.
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)
food chain shows transfer of nutrients/energy in an ecosystem / arrows from one trophic level to the
next in examples; between different trophic levels / shown in a correct chain or web; starting with a
producer; followed by at least two levels of consumers / shown in a correct chain or web;
food web is the (branched) interaction of multiple food chains / cross arrows in examples; using
(multiple) producers as a source;
transferring nutrients/energy to consumers from different food chains; same consumer could be
at different trophic levels in a food web
(6)
(c)
Explain the relationship between rises in concentration of atmospheric gases and the
enhanced greenhouse effect
IB Questionbank Biology
48
65.
Many factors affect the distribution of animal species including weather patterns. The mosquito
Anopheles is a carrier of malaria, a disease that kills one to two million people annually. The
eggs of the mosquito are laid in water and they hatch out as larvae before turning into adult
mosquitoes. A study was undertaken to look at the influence of weather patterns on the
incidence of bites on children. Being bitten increases the risk of catching malaria.
The graphs show human biting rates (HBR) by Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus and
precipitation over the study period.
[Adapted from J A Patz et al. 1998. Predicting key malaria transmission factors, biting and entomological
inoculation rates, using modelled soil moisture in Kenya. Tropical Medicine and International Health. Vol 3. Pp
818827. Reproduced with permission from Wiley.]
(a)
State the week number when the highest human biting rate (HBR) is found for
A. gambiae.
..........107/108.....................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Calculate the difference in peak HBR for A. gambiae and A. funestus for week 6.
35
(1)
(c)
both species show relationship between elevated precipitation and higher HBR (e.g. between
week 0 and week 8 / week 100 and week 108); there is a lag between the period of precipitation and
IB Questionbank Biology
49
the increase in HBR; sometimes elevated precipitation does not lead to peaks of HBR (e.g. week 27);
precipitation has a greater effect on Anopheles gambiae/A. gambiae;
(3)
(d)
(e)
Suggest another factor which might affect the ecological distribution of mosquitoes.
temperature / breeding site / food supply / predators /
(1)
(f)
66.
(a) Earthworms are primary consumers that can be grown on household food waste such
as fruit and salad leftovers. Outline their potential as an energy-containing food source for
humans.
much loss of energy / 8090% loss of energy; low down food chain so efficient; loss of
energy through respiration/heat; loss of energy through egestion; less valuable as
a food source than primary producers; converts undigestible material into
digestible materials
(3)
(b)
(c)
67.
IB Questionbank Biology
50
68.
What conclusion can be made from the following evidence from an analysis of DNA fragments?
A.
B.
C.
D.
69.
The following diagram shows part of a food web from Yellowstone Park.
IB Questionbank Biology
51
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)
70.
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.
D.
I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
71.
Why do food chains in an ecosystem rarely contain more than five organisms?
A.
B.
C.
D.
72.
Several greenhouse gases occur in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) 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.
IB Questionbank Biology
52
C.
D.
They are only produced by human activity whereas CO 2 and CH4 are also produced
naturally.
(Total 1 mark)
73.
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.
B.
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)
74.
Which of the organisms AD, identified by the key below, represents an Annelid?
1. Shows bilateral symmetry
Does not show bilateral symmetry
go to 2
Cnidaria
go to 3
go to 4
A
B
4. Has a shell
Does not have a shell
C
D
(Total 1 mark)
75.
Cnidaria
B.
Filicinophyta
C.
Porifera
D.
Mollusca
(Total 1 mark)
IB Questionbank Biology
53
76.
*sorry couldnt
find the pic :/
At which time in the population growth curve does the population size begin to decline?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The graph does not show a time when population size declines
(Total 1 mark)
77.
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 CO 2 during a one year
period.
IB Questionbank Biology
54
Why does the amount of CO2 fall between April and August?
A.
B.
C.
D.
78.
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.
C.
D.
I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
79.
Below is a graph of atmospheric CO2 levels measured at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii.
IB Questionbank Biology
55
a)
Explain the observed changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration from 1960 to 2005.
(from 19602005) atmospheric CO2 concentration increases/strong positive trend /
increase between 19602005 of 65 ppm/figures to that effect; CO2 released by
human activities contributes to the increase; examples of human activities e.g.
combustion of fossil fuels / deforestation; seasonal/annual fluctuations (do not
prevent long-term increase)
(3)
(b)
80.
IB Questionbank Biology
56
(3)
(b)
Explain the shape of the pyramids of energy that are constructed by ecologists to
represent energy flow in an ecosystem.
energy flows up from one trophic level to the next (in a community); energy is lost at each
stage by waste products/feces/not all the organism is consumed; most
energy is lost through respiration/heat; each level on the pyramid is
about 10%20% of the size of the one below it / 80%90% energy lost
between levels; labelled diagram of pyramid of energy (indicating
trophic levels)
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
81.
Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)
(4)
(b)
Outline how three different environmental conditions can affect the rate of
photosynthesis in plants.
light: rate increases with increasing light; it reaches maximum then plateaus; as all chloroplast
molecules are working at optimal pace;
temperature: rate increases with increasing temperature; to a maximum/optimum temperature;
but then falls off rapidly; as enzymes are denatured above the optimal temperature;
carbon dioxide: rate increases with increasing carbon dioxide level; it reaches maximum then
plateaus; as photosynthesis operating at optimal level
(6)
IB Questionbank Biology
57
(c)
Explain how the emission of gases, both naturally and through human activity, can alter
the surface temperature of the Earth.
increase in temperature is called global warming; this is caused by the greenhouse effect; a natural
phenomenon that has occurred over millions of years; main gas responsible is carbon dioxide; other gases
like methane/nitrous oxide also cause effect; shortwave radiation from the Sun enters atmosphere; warms
the surface of the Earth; longwave radiation emitted by the surface of the Earth; is absorbed by carbon
dioxide/greenhouse gases; human use of fossil fuels has increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide;
rapid rise in temperatures over (approximately) hundred years; cows/animals/peat bogs release methane;
greenhouse gases emitted by volcanic activity
(8)
(Total 20 marks)
82.
e.g. Cane toad introduction to Australia; (Accept rats to New Zealand, etc.) impact on
specified ecosystem; competes with local toads/frogs to displace them; poisons
local mammals;
(3)
(b)
IB Questionbank Biology
58
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
83.
(b)
(c)
84.
IB Questionbank Biology
59
(2)
(b)
Using the table below, compare the characteristics of the following biomes.
Biome
Desert
Tropical rainforest
Tundra
Characteristic of
vegetation
Temperature
Moisture
high temperature/
thermal amplitude
in day and cold at
night
xerophytes / succulent/
sparse low lying
bushes adapted to
water conservation;
hot
cold / 6C to
12C
85.
(a) (i)
State one example of a deliberate release of an alien species,
including the name of the organism and where it was released.
e.g. beaver/castor liberated in Tierra del Fuego (you need a named example and a location)
(1)
(ii)
Using the example from (a)(i), outline the reason for its release and the impact it
had on the environment.
reason for release; impact on environment;
e.g. for hunting/fur; but built dams which altered river courses
(2)
(b)
IB Questionbank Biology
60
86.
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 CO 2 during a one year
period.
Why does the amount of CO2 fall between April and August?
A.
B.
C.
D.
87.
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.
C.
D.
I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
88.
IB Questionbank Biology
61
(b)
89.
(b)
90.
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.
IB Questionbank Biology
62
[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)
(b)
Calculate the percentage increase in mesozooplankton from summer to spring. Show your
working.
367%
(2)
(c)
Suggest how the seasonal changes cause the differences in biomass of heterotrophic
plankton.
warmer temperatures (in summer/spring) cause enzyme activation / converse; more reproduction of
organisms (so more food) / converse; (more sun) more photosynthesis so more biomass (of
autotrophs) (so more food for organisms); in summer there are other organisms that feed on them;
ocean water movement could carry nutrients; seasonal changes in the abundance of food causes
difference
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
91.
(a) Outline the major differences in temperature and moisture that are characteristic of
two named biomes.
IB Questionbank Biology
63
(2)
(b)
92.
(b)
IB Questionbank Biology
64
(5)
(Total 9 marks)
93.
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)
94.
The diagram below shows some of the links in the carbon cycle.
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)
95.
Global warming threatens the survival of Arctic foxes. Which of the following factors could be
involved?
A.
I.
II.
III.
I only
IB Questionbank Biology
65
B.
I and II only
C.
D.
I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
96.
(Total 1 mark)
97.
Ants, bees and wasps are classified in the same order. What can be deduced about these
animals?
A.
B.
C.
D.
98.
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)
IB Questionbank Biology
66
99.
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.
Total number of limpets increased
(b)
Construct a food web to show the feeding relationship between the three species of
limpets, the oystercatchers and the green algae.
IB Questionbank Biology
67
(c)
Suggest reasons for the difference in numbers of L. strigatella between the areas where
oystercatchers were present and where oystercatchers were excluded.
L. strigatella decrease when oystercatchers excluded;
Could be due to increase in number of L. digitalis;
Increased competition/predation (for L. strigatella);
Less food/green algae (for L. strigatella);
Less habitat available (for L. strigatella);
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.
(d)
with the letter X, where the limpet population was abundant in the 1950s and
occasional in the 1980s (19801984).
X at 4th location going anticlockwise from top right
(ii)
with the letter Y, where the limpet population was abundant in both the 1950s and
in the 1980s (19801984).
Y at 8th, 9th or 11th location going anticlockwise from top right
(e)
Outline, using the data, the overall trend in the limpet population from the 1950s to the
1980s (19801984).
(Overall) decline in limpet population;
In no location has the population increased;
Greatest decrease in numbers at most northern/western locations;
In many/some/quantitative value locations the population has not changed;
(f)
Suggest two reasons for the change in limpet population between the 1950s and the 1980s
(19801984).
IB Questionbank Biology
68
(a)
(i)
IB Questionbank Biology
69
At Coats Island, chick mass at 14 days was measured in most years between 1988 and 2002.
The scattergraph below shows the results, plotted against proportion of ice cover.
(b)
(i) Outline the relationship between ice cover and the mass of 14-day-old chicks
on Coats Island.
increase in summer ice cover has a positive effect on mass increase;
high proportion of ice cover has little effect / (slightly) negative
effect on chick mass/growth;
(ii)
(c)
Predict, with a reason, the change in the mass of chicks in the years ahead.
mass may go down as proportion of ice cover has decreased;
mass may increase as most recent data shown in (bar) graph shows
increasing proportion of ice area;
101.
70
rose
(b)
(c)
102.
(a) Discuss the impacts of a named alien species introduced as a biological control
measure.
named alien species e.g. western mosquitofish / small Indian mongoose /
rosy wolfsnail;
introduced for removal of pests;
competes with native species;
excessive predation on native species that do not have defences;
impacts industry such as tourism/harvesting of natural resources;
Accept other specific examples of effects.
(b)
103. 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
IB Questionbank Biology
71
C.
D.
I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)
104. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)
(b)
IB Questionbank Biology
72
73
lush vegetation;
great diversity of animals/plants;
e.g. forests of equatorial Africa;
evergreen;
high insolation;
high precipitation;
high temperature;
increased productivity;
high level of competition;
adaptations of leaves;
106. Discuss international measures that would promote the conservation of fish, including methods
used to measure conservation of fish stocks.
measures to promote conservation:
reduce total allowable catch below maximum sustainable yield/MSY;
limit areas where fishing can take place;
decrease total net size;
increase mesh size to let immature fish through / set minimum landing
sizes for fish;
reduce fishing effort;
reduce/stop subsidies for increasing size of fleet;
methods used to measure conservation:
monitor fish catches;
calculate the mass of fish that can be removed annually / maximum
sustainable yield;
required knowledge of birth rate, growth rate of fish and mortality rates;
can be estimated by looking at age structure of landed fish;
can be estimated by catch per fishing effort;
107. The food web below shows a community in central France 24 000 years ago.
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B.
C.
D.
108. Which diagram shows the flow of energy through a community with three trophic levels?
109. According to the precautionary principle, what should happen if there are fears that eating a
food might cause a health problem?
A.
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.
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110. 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.
D.
A group of classes
B.
A group of genera
C.
A group of orders
D.
A group of phyla
(a)
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standard deviation summarizes the spread of values around the mean / 68%
of all values fall within one standard deviation of the mean / gives a measure
of variability of the data / OWTTE
(b)
State the maximum number of ciliates and the month in which the maximum occurs.
November had 113 (+2) ciliates ml-1 sediment
(c)
Deduce, with reasons, whether the endosymbionts in the ciliates are responsible for the
methane produced by the sediment samples.
Explain how methane and other greenhouse gases cause global warming.
greenhouses gases collect in atmosphere;
layer of gases allows incoming short-wave radiation (from sun) to pass
through to earths surface where it is converted to longer-wave radiation;
long-wave radiation cannot all pass through layer of gases but some
reflected back to earth causing earths surface to become warmer;
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.
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(f)
Outline what the two parts of the scientific name Nacella concinna refer to.
first name / Nacella refers to the genus and the second name / concinna
refers to the species
(g)
State the relationship between temperature and the percentage righting in N. concinna.
Estimate the percentage change of N. concinna able to right themselves when the
temperature is raised from 0C to 2.5C.
model suggests two degree rise in temperature which would mean summer
temperatures of 3C;
at this temperature less than 50% of organisms able to carry out basic
behaviour;
decreased survival of species / decreased ability to avoid predation;
113.
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effect on rate;
(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:
114.
coniferophyta
filicinophyta
anaerobic habitats;
marshes / guts of mammals / oxygen depleted soils;
115. The timing of breeding in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) was studied in the United States
and Canada from 1959 to 1991. Figure A represents the mean egg laying date for each year. The
date is indicated as number of days after January 1st. Figure B shows the correlation between
mean May temperature (C) and mean laying date over the same period.
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(a)
Identify the year with the earliest mean egg laying date.
1991
(b)
Outline the relationship between mean laying date and mean May temperature.
as mean temperature goes up, earlier mean laying date
(c)
trend for egg laying being earlier over study period (in figure A);
higher temperatures lead to earlier egg laying;
egg laying correlated with warmer temperature;
data highly variable / evidence is indirect;
(d)
A change in mean laying date may increase competition with another species.
(i)
Apply the competitive exclusion principle to a change in mean laying date for the
tree swallow.
earlier egg laying date means that parents may compete for food / nesting
materials / nesting sites with other species or any example of how change
may cause niche to overlap;
tree swallow may expand range northward to hatch on the same day / tree;
tree swallow may cause a decline in population of species that now
overlaps niche / tree swallow may decline in population because of
overlapping niche or any ex. which shows the consequence of overlapping niche;
116.
80
117.
(a) Outline the temperature, moisture and vegetation characteristics of any one biome.
correctly named biome eg temperate deciduous forest;
level of precipitation eg moderate precipitation / 75150 cm throughout
the year;
temperature range eg 1518C / warm summers and 37C / cold winters /
significant annual temperature variation;
dominant plant eg dominant plants are broad leaf trees (that lose leaves
annually) / ecosystem characteristics eg significant diversity of understory
plants;
(b)
118. 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)
119. 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
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(Total 1 mark)
120. Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)
b)
(c)
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(b)
122. The timing of breeding in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) was studied in the United States
and Canada from 1959 to 1991. Figure A represents the mean egg laying date for each year. The
date is indicated as number of days after January 1st. Figure B shows the correlation between
mean May temperature (C) and mean laying date over the same period.
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(a)
Identify the year with the earliest mean egg laying date.
1991
(b)
Outline the relationship between mean laying date and mean May temperature.
as mean temperature goes up, earlier mean laying date
(c)
(d)
A change in mean laying date may increase competition with another species.
(i)
(ii)
Apply the competitive exclusion principle to a change in mean laying date for the
tree swallow.
earlier egg laying date means that parents may compete for food / nesting
materials / nesting sites with other species or any example of how change
may cause niche to overlap;
tree swallow may expand range northward to hatch on the same day / tree;
tree swallow may cause a decline in population of species that now
overlaps niche / tree swallow may decline in population because of
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124.
(a) Outline the factors that affect the distribution of animal species.
distribution is the range of places that an animal inhabits;
is closely linked to the levels of the abiotic & biotic factors of that environment;
main abiotic factors are water, temperature;
other factors include breeding sites, food supply and territory;
temperature, extremes of temperatures require special adaptations;
water, some animals are aquatic and some live in deserts;
breeding sites, special sites are needed to ascertain survival of offspring;
food supply, availability of special foods limits range of habitation;
territory, has an effect on the distribution of a species clumped rather than dispersed;
(b)
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