Sense organs past paper question-Answers

5 a. Produce an accurate representation of the eye with important structures such as the cornea,
iris, lens, suspensory ligaments/ciliary muscles, retina, fovea and optic nerve in the correct position
along with the correct labels.
How the eye works
• light from an object enters the eye through the cornea/pupil,
• then it is refracted by the lens onto the retina.
• The rods and cones in the retina detect the light/stimulus and sends impulses along the
optic nerve to the brain. The brain interprets the image allowing us to see it.

5a. Diagram of skin

b. (i)
In the day time
• His blood vessels (capillaries) enlarge (dilate)
• So that the blood comes closer to the skin so that it will be cooled as heat is lost to the outer
atmosphere.
• His sweat glands excrete sweat which cools the skin as it evaporates.
• Also, the erector muscles on his hair roots relax so that no hot hair is trapped on his skin.

At night when it is cooler

• His blood vessels decrease (constrict) in size to conserve heat

• The erector muscles on the hair roots of the skin contract to raise hair up to trap air to keep
a warm layer of air around the body to insulate it.

The maintenance of a constant body temperature in this way is called homeostasis

(ii) the biologist could make adjustments during the day such as reducing his level of activity, staying
out of direct sunlight by staying in the shade or wearing a hat/light clothing. During the night he
could wear warm clothing, sleep under a thick blanket or increase his level of activity.