BIOLOGY

A2 LEVEL

PRACTISE QUESTION

TOPIC-5C (QP & MS)

 QUESTIONS
1 Global warming is thought to be responsible for the decrease in area covered by sea ice.

(a) The graph below shows the changes in the area covered by sea ice in the Arctic

between 1985 and 2016.

(i) Explain why global warming is thought to be responsible for this decrease. (3)

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(ii) Describe how this graph could be used to estimate the area covered by sea ice in 2020. (2)

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(iii) Explain why a prediction of the area covered by sea ice in 2020, using the data

in this graph, could be wrong. (3)

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(b) The reduction in area covered by sea ice is affecting the behaviour of polar bears.

Some polar bears are staying on the ice‑free areas, feeding on goose eggs, berries

and, occasionally, caribou. Previously, these polar bears fed on seal blubber.

The table below gives some information about these food sources.

(i) Calculate how many berries have the same mass as one seal.

(1)

Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) Using the information in the table, explain why scientists are concerned that this

change in behaviour could result in a decrease in the number of polar bears.

(4)

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(Total 13 marks)

2 The diagram below shows some effects of global warming.

(a) Put a cross ( ) in the box to complete the following sentence.

(1)

Global warming can be caused by increased levels of both of the named gases

A carbon dioxide and nitrogen

B methane and carbon dioxide

C oxygen and methane

D water vapour and oxygen

(b) Increasing temperatures can affect enzyme activity.

Put a cross ( ) in the box next to the correct description of the effect of an enzyme on a reaction.

(1)

A lowers the activation energy and decreases the rate

B lowers the activation energy and increases the rate

C raises the activation energy and decreases the rate

D raises the activation energy and increases the rate

(c) The diagram below shows the life cycle of a chicken.

Using the information in the diagram, explain the meaning of each of the following terms.

(i) Growth

(2)

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(ii) Development

(2)

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(iii) Life cycle

(2)

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(d) (i) Explain why dendrochronology can be used as evidence for global warming.

(3)

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(ii) Explain why the pollen found in peat bogs can be used as evidence for global warming.

(2)

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(Total 13 marks)

3 The graph below shows the percentage of the Earth’s surface area occupied by

marine, terrestrial (land) and freshwater ecosystems.

An ecosystem consists of communities of organisms living in a particular habitat.

(a) Using the information in the graph, calculate the total percentage of the

Earth’s surface occupied by terrestrial ecosystems.

(1)

...................... %

(b) The table below shows information about the net primary productivity (NPP) of

some of these ecosystems.

(i) Calculate the percentage increase in the NPP of the estuary compared with

the open ocean.

Show your working.

(2)

........................ %

(ii) Using the information in the graph and the table, explain the difference in the

percentage of the Earth’s NPP of open ocean and estuary ecosystems.

(2)

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(iii) Explain why the NPP of the extreme desert, rock, sand and ice ecosystem is so low.

(3)

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(iv) Using the information in the table, explain how the gross primary

productivity (GPP) of the swamp and marsh ecosystem would differ from the NPP.

(2)

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(Total 10 marks)

4 The photographs below show three species of baobab trees found in Madagascar.

Below are some facts about baobab trees and Madagascar:

 there are nine species of baobab trees

 six of the species are found only in Madagascar
 two species are found in mainland Africa
 one of the species found in mainland Africa is also found in Madagascar
 one species is found in Australia
 all baobab trees are found in dry areas
 baobab trees can store thousands of litres of water
 baobab trees shed their leaves in the dry season
 baobab trees produce large, heavy seeds
  tortoises eat these seeds
 some species of tortoises have become extinct in Madagascar.

(a) Using the information given, explain what proportion of baobab tree species are

endemic to Madagascar. (2)

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(b) The species of baobab trees found in mainland Africa and Australia look almost identical.

Suggest one reason for each of the following.

(i) These two species look almost identical. (1)

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(ii) The trees are two separate species. (1)

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(c) Using the information given, explain how baobab trees are adapted to living in dry areas. (2)

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(d) Some of the baobab trees in Madagascar are listed as endangered species.

(i) Climate change is thought to be partly responsible.

Explain how climate change could affect the populations of baobab trees. (3)

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(ii) Suggest two reasons, other than climate change, for baobab trees becoming endangered. (2)

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(Total 11 marks)

5 Predator-prey relationships and trophic levels influence the species found within a habitat.

(a) Explain what is meant by the term trophic level.

(2)

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(b) A study of predators in a marine environment and in a land environment was

carried out. The trophic level of each predator and the ratio of the numbers of each predator

to its prey (predator : prey ratio) were determined.

The graph below shows the results of this study.

Describe conclusions that could be made from this study.

(3)

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(c) As part of this study, the energy content of organisms at each trophic level in one

food chain was determined. The energy content represents the energy available

to the next trophic level.

The results of this study are shown in the table below.

(i) Put a cross ( ) in the box next to the term used to describe the energy

content in trophic level 1, shown in this table. (1)

A biomass

B gross primary productivity

C net primary productivity

D organic matter

(ii) Calculate the percentage of energy lost between trophic level 2 and trophic level 3.

Show your working.

(2)

Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . %
 (iii) Suggest why there were only three trophic levels in this food chain.

(2)

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(Total 10 marks)

6. Global warming is affecting the climate. Changes to the climate are affecting the

distribution and development of some animals.

One animal that could be affected by climate change is the Eastern painted turtle.

The photograph below shows an Eastern painted turtle.

Turtles live in water but lay their eggs on land.

The female turtle comes out of the water, digs a hole in the sand and then lays her eggs in the hole.
She then buries her eggs in the sand.

An investigation was carried out into the effect of sand temperature on the rate of development and
survival of turtle embryos. The ratio of male to female turtles that hatched was also investigated.

Three temperatures were investigated:

 the optimal sand temperature (OST) for Eastern painted turtles

 a temperature below the OST
 a temperature above the OST.
The table below shows the results of this investigation.

*(a) Using the information in the table, explain the effect of sand temperature on the

rate of development of these turtle embryos.

 (6)

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(b) (i) Put a cross ( ) in the box next to the graph showing how the proportion of

male to female turtles that hatch changes with temperature.

(1)

(ii) Put a cross ( ) in the box to complete the following sentence.

Sex determination in these turtles is an example of

(1)

A continuous variation

B crossing over

C interactions between genotype and the environment

D polygenic inheritance

(c) Discuss how global warming could affect the numbers of these turtles.

(4)
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(Total 12 marks)
7 . In 1978, China began the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Programme.
The idea of this programme was to create the Great Green Wall, a massive belt of trees

deliberately planted across North China. The hope was that the Great Green Wall would

prevent desert sand spreading across the country.

The aim is to have more than 100 billion trees planted in a 4500 km belt by 2050.

The diagram below shows the proposed location of the Great Green Wall. The photograph

below shows an area of trees that have already been planted in the Wall.

(a) Using your knowledge of succession, suggest why the Great Green Wall should reduce

the spread of desert sand.

(2)

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(b) Some scientists were concerned that only a few types of tree were being planted

and that these were fast-growing. They thought that this would reduce the

biodiversity of the remaining natural forests.

Explain why the scientists thought that biodiversity in natural forests would fall.

(4)
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(c) Some scientists suggested that the fast-growing trees would help to reduce

global warming more than slow-growing trees.

Explain how planting fast-growing trees could reduce global warming.

(4)

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(d) A study in 2016 showed that natural woodland is better at storing carbon than planted fast-
growing trees.

(i) State how the findings of this study could be validated. (1)

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(ii) This programme has proved to be controversial.

Suggest why some scientists, politicians, economists and farmers do not agree

that planting these trees has been a success.

(2)

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Total 13 marks)
8 Glaciers are long, large masses of ice that formed thousands of years ago.

As a result of changes in the climate, more ice is melting. This is reducing the length of the glaciers.
As a result, bare rock that was once covered by the glacier, becomes exposed.

(a) Explain why more ice is melting.

(3)

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(b) Glacier Bay is on the coast of Alaska. This bay was formed when ice melted and the length of
the glacier was reduced.In 1971, scientists studied the distribution of plant species in Glacier Bay.
They looked at five different areas: P, Q, R, S and T.The diagram below shows the length of the
glacier in 1871 and its length in 1971.

The position of each of the five areas studied are also shown.

1 cm on the diagram is equivalent to the decrease in length of glacier in 10 years.

The graph below shows the results of this study.

(i) Describe the changes in these species from 1871 to 1971.

(3)

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(ii) Explain why the species in areas P and T are different.

(4)

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(iii) Ten years later, a group of students repeated this study at Glacier Bay.

Suggest what changes these students might have found in area Q.

(3)
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. (Total 13 marks)

9 Pollen grains present in peat bogs and lake sediment may provide evidence of climate change.

(a) In an investigation, the age of the sediment in a lake was determined. The

abundance of pollen grains, from four types of plant, in the lake sediment was recorded.

The results are shown in the graph below.

(i) Using the information in the graph, describe the changes in abundance of

spruce, ash and elm trees over the last 14 000 years.

(3)

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(ii) Ash and elm trees grow in wet, poorly-drained soils. Grass grows in drier conditions.

Using the information in the graph, describe the changes in climate at this

lake over the last 14 000 years.

(3)
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(iii) Explain how the information in the graph indicates that other types of plant

were present around this lake.

(2)

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(b) Explain how dendrochronology may also be used to provide evidence for climate change.

(3)

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. (Total 11 marks)

10. Polar bears are large, carnivorous mammals that live on the sea ice of the Arctic.

Polar bears feed on seals and hunt them from the sea ice. They hunt the seals during

the seals’ breeding season, when the young seals are born on the sea ice.

The hunting season ends in the late spring when the ice melts. The polar bears do

not eat again until the ice reforms in the winter.

Female polar bears dig dens in the ice to give birth to their young.

The photograph below shows a polar bear and her cub.

The number of polar bears is decreasing as a result of starvation. This is caused by a

loss of their habitat because the sea ice is melting earlier in the year.

An increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases is thought to be responsible for

this loss of habitat.

(a) (i) Place a cross in the box next to the names of two greenhouse gases.

(1)

A hydrogen and methane

B methane and carbon dioxide

C oxygen and hydrogen

D water vapour and oxygen

(ii) Describe how an increase in greenhouse gases could cause the loss of sea ice.

(3)

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(b) Suggest why the loss of sea ice could result in a decrease in the number of polar bears.

(3)

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. (Total 7 marks)

11 The photograph below shows a giant panda.

The giant panda is an endangered species of bear, native to China.

Giant pandas were once found throughout the lowland forests of southeast China.

Now they are found only in isolated patches of forest in the mountains. The majority of giant
pandas are found in the Minshan Mountains, the rest are in the Qinling

Mountains, which are shown in the map below.

(a) Suggest why the giant panda has become endangered.

(2)

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(b) The giant pandas in the Qinling Mountains are a subspecies.Subspecies of giant pandas can still
interbreed to produce fertile offspring but they have some differences in their phenotypes.

Suggest how a subspecies of giant panda evolved in the Qinling Mountains.

(4)

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(Total 6 marks)

12 Yellowstone National Park is situated in North America.

There were no wolves in this National Park after 1943. As a result, the population of

elk increased. The elk had a disastrous effect on plant species, due to overgrazing.

The photographs below show a grey wolf and an elk.

In 1995, the grey wolf was reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park. Grey wolves

hunt in packs. Elk are the main prey of these wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

(a) The graph below shows the population sizes of elk and grey wolves in

Yellowstone National Park since 1994.

(i) Using the information in the graph, describe the overall changes in the

population sizes of elk and grey wolves between 1995 and 2010.

Give explanations for these overall changes.

 (3)

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(ii) Suggest two reasons for the decrease in the population of grey wolves between 2011 and 2012.

(2)

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(b) (i) Explain why, since 1995, the areas of forest in Yellowstone National Park have increased.

(3)

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(ii) Suggest how the populations of other animals in Yellowstone National Park might be affected by
the reintroduction of the grey wolves.

Give explanations for your answer.

(4)

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(Total 12 marks)

13. Evolution can come about as a result of a change in the structure of DNA.
(a) The questions below refer to the structure of DNA.
(i) Put a cross in the box next to the term that completes the following
statement.
Each DNA strand consists of mononucleotides joined together by bonds between (1)

A one deoxyribose sugar and one phosphate group

B one ribose sugar and one phosphate group

C two bases

D two pentose sugars

(ii) Put a cross in the box next to the term that completes the following statement.

The mononucleotides in one DNA strand are joined together by

(1)

A glycosidic bonds

B hydrogen bonds

C peptide bonds

D phosphodiester bonds

(iii) The table below shows the percentages of bases in a sample of DNA.

Put one cross in the appropriate box, in each row, to show the percentage

of bases in a sample of DNA that has 33% thymine.

(3)

(b) There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa. The white rhinoceros and the black

rhinoceros evolved from a common ancestor.

The photographs below show a white rhinoceros and a black rhinoceros.

The white rhinoceros feeds on grasses. It has a shoulder height of 1.5 m to 1.8 m and has broad flat
lips.

The black rhinoceros eats the leaves of shrubs. It has a shoulder height of 1.4 m to

1.7 m and has a pointed mouth.

(i) Calculate how many times bigger the white rhinoceros is than the black rhinoceros.

(2)

Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) Suggest how these two species of rhinoceros evolved from their common ancestor.

(4)

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(iii) Suggest why both species of rhinoceros can be found in the same region in Africa.
 (2)

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(Total 13 marks)

14.Global warming is having a number of effects on the environment.

*(a) Describe how global warming may be caused.

(5)

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(b) Some scientists predict that by the year 2100 mean global temperatures could increase by 12 °C.

Describe how scientists have made this prediction.

(2)

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(c) The photograph below shows a European great tit.

European great tits are predators of winter moth caterpillars. Winter moths lay

eggs that hatch into caterpillars that feed on the leaves of trees in the spring

season. Research has shown that European great tits now lay their eggs two

weeks earlier than in 1970.

Suggest why this may be an advantage for European great tits.

(3)

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(d) The European blackcap is another species of bird that breeds in the UK, which has also changed
its behaviour in response to global warming.

The majority of these birds fly long distances from Europe to North Africa. Recent studies have
shown that some of these birds have now stopped making this migration and are breeding more
successfully.

Suggest why this change in behaviour has resulted in more successful breeding of this species.

(3)

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(Total 13 marks)
15. Net primary productivity is affected by a number of environmental factors.
(a) Explain the meaning of the term net primary productivity.

(2)

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(b) Name two inorganic ions and explain why each of these ions will affect the net primary
productivity. (4)

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(c) Tropical forests have high average temperatures and rainfall. Tropical savannahs have high
average temperatures and long, dry periods. Deserts have a wide range of temperatures and are
very dry areas.

The graph below shows the net primary productivity of these environments.

Describe the differences in net primary productivity in these environments.

Suggest reasons for the differences.

(4)

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(Total 10 marks)
16. Pollution of rivers and streams can affect the concentration of oxygen dissolved in

the water. As a result, the biodiversity in the water may change.

Freshwater shrimps require high oxygen concentrations. Bloodworms can survive in

low oxygen concentrations.

The photographs below show two freshwater shrimps and a bloodworm.

(a) The table below shows the concentration of oxygen dissolved in the water of a

shallow river, downstream from a source of pollution.

(i) Describe how the oxygen concentration of water could be measured.

(2)

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(ii) Put a cross in the box next to the percentage that completes the following sentence.

The overall percentage decrease in the concentration of dissolved oxygen is (1)

A 3.3%

B 6.2%

C 96.7%

D 103.4%
(iii) Suggest why the oxygen concentration of the water may increase again further downstream.

(1)

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(b) Freshwater shrimps require high oxygen concentrations. Bloodworms can survive in low oxygen
concentrations.

(i) Suggest how the distribution of the freshwater shrimps and bloodworms, in this shallow river,
could be investigated practically.

(4)

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(ii) Suggest why bloodworms can survive in polluted water but the freshwater shrimps cannot.

(2)

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(Total 10 marks)

17. Scientists analyse tree ring growth patterns for evidence of global warming.

(a) Place a cross in the box next to the term used for the study of tree ring growth patterns.

(1)

A dendrochronology B entomology

C proteomics D succession

(b) Core samples can be used to study tree ring growth patterns. A core sample is obtained by
boring into a living tree and pulling out a sample of wood.

Suggest why this hole is sealed.

 (1)

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

(c) The diagram below shows a core sample taken from a tree. It shows a tree ring growth pattern.

(i) Draw a line on the diagram to a tree ring representing the most growth in one year.

Label the line M.

(1)

(ii) Place a cross in the box next to the age of the tree from which this core

sample was taken. (1)

A 29 years

B 30 years

C 31 years

D 32 years

(d) Explain how global warming may affect tree ring growth.

(4)

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(e) Suggest why scientists cannot be certain that changes in tree ring growth patterns are caused by
global warming.

(3)

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(Total 11 marks)

18. Evolution of a species can come about through natural selection.

(a) Explain how natural selection can result in evolution.

(3)

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(b) Peafowl is a species of bird. The peacock is the male bird that has a large number of colourful
feathers.

The photograph below shows a peacock displaying his feathers.

(i) Suggest why these colourful feathers have been selected for in the evolution of peacocks.

(2)

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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......................................................................................
(ii) Suggest why a large number of colourful feathers could be a disadvantage to a peacock.

(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(iii) Suggest why the female peafowl (peahen) has smaller, dull-coloured feathers.

(2)

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(Total 8 marks)
19.a) The net primary productivity (NPP) of an ecosystem is affected by temperature and rainfall.
The graphs below show the relationship between NPP and these two environmental factors.

(i) Explain the meaning of the term net primary productivity (NPP).

(2)

......................................................................................
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......................................................................................
......................................................................................
(ii) Using the information in the graphs, describe and explain the relationship

between NPP and each of these two environmental factors.

(5)

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(iii) Describe the appearance of a graph showing the relationship between gross

primary productivity (GPP) and rainfall, in ecosystems. Give a reason for your answer.

(3)

......................................................................................
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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......................................................................................
......................................................................................
. (b) The diagram below shows the energy content of two trophic levels.

Calculate the percentage of energy transferred from trophic level 1 to trophic level 2.

(2)
 Answer = . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . %

(Total 12 marks)

20. The spruce bark beetle feeds on and breeds in spruce trees. If a large number of

beetles are on a spruce tree, the tree will die. These dead trees will appear red when

viewed from the air.

Alaska has experienced recent changes in the number of spruce bark beetles. It is

thought that the number of beetles is affected by climate change.

Each year, the extent of damage to the woodland was estimated by measuring the

size of the ‘red area’ from aerial photographs.

The drought index of the woodland was also determined. A high drought index

indicates warm, dry conditions and a low drought index indicates cool, moist conditions.

The graphs below show the changes in ‘red area’, mean summer temperature and

drought index in Alaskan woodland, from 1930 to 2000.

(a) Describe the changes in the size of the ‘red area’ from 1970 to 2000.

(3)

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(b) Suggest why there is no data for the size of the ‘red area’ before 1970.

(1)

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(c) Suggest why the number of spruce bark beetles is affected by temperature.

(2)

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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.(d) Using the information in the graphs, describe the evidence for climate change being responsible
for the size of the ‘red area’.

(3)

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(e) Explain why a valid conclusion cannot be made about the effect of climate change on the size of
the ‘red area’.

(3)

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(Total 12 marks)

21.Gross primary productivity (GPP) is affected by temperature and precipitation, which

includes rain and snow.

The table below shows the mean annual temperature range and mean annual

precipitation range in some ecosystems. The table also shows the GPP range in these ecosystems.

(a) Explain the meaning of the term gross primary productivity (GPP).

(2)

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

(b) Using the information in the table, describe and explain the effects of temperature and
precipitation on GPP.

(5)

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

(c) A desert has a mean annual temperature range of –8 °C to 20 °C and a mean annual precipitation
range of 0 to 20 cm.
Suggest a range for the GPP in this desert. Give reasons for your answer.

(3)

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(d) The diagram below shows the flow of energy in part of an ecosystem.

Calculate the percentage of energy from trophic level 2 that would be available

for trophic level 4.

(3)

.................%

(Total 13 marks)

22. Volcanic eruptions have had an effect on the climate and temperature of the Earth.

Analysis of pollen in peat bogs and changes in sea levels give evidence for climate change.

Toba is a volcano in Sumatra that erupted approximately 70 000 years ago. The map

below shows the location of Sumatra.

 The graph below shows the result of pollen counts at different depths in a peat bog in France.

(a) Using the information in the graph, describe the changes in the pollen count in

the layers of peat from a depth of 12.5 m to a depth of 13.5 m.

(3)

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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......................................................................................
......................................................................................
(b) Suggest why there is no data for some of the depths.

(1)

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(c) The graph below shows changes to sea levels, compared to the present day, in

the oceans around Greenland.

Suggest why temperature changes affect sea level.

(2)

......................................................................................
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......................................................................................
......................................................................................
(d) It is claimed that the volcanic eruption of Toba caused a change in world climate.

(i) Using the information in both graphs, describe the evidence that supports this claim.

(2)

......................................................................................
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......................................................................................
(ii) Using the information in both graphs, suggest why this claim may not be true.

(3)

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(Total 11 marks)

23. The diagram below shows part of the carbon cycle. The processes A, B, C, D and E,

transfer carbon.

(a) Explain how carbon dioxide is removed from the air into the oceans by process A.

(2)

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......................................................................................
(b) Suggest how carbon dioxide is returned to the air from the oceans by process B.

(1)

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(c) Place a cross in the box next to the gases produced by process C. (1)

A carbon dioxide and methane

B carbon dioxide and water vapour

C carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour

D carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapour

(d) Describe the role of bacteria in process D in the diagram.

(3)

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(e) Place a cross in the box next to the reaction in process E that uses carbon dioxide. (1)

A light-dependent reaction

B light-independent reaction

C photolysis

D photophosphorylation

(f ) The table below shows how much carbon is being transferred by each of the

processes in the diagram.

(i) Calculate how much more carbon is entering the air than is leaving it.

Show your working.

(2)

Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) Suggest why more carbon is entering the air than is leaving it.

(3)

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(Total 13 marks)
24. A survey was conducted in the USA to find out what harm people thought global warming could
have.

The people were asked if they thought global warming could harm the eight groups

shown in the diagram.

The diagram below shows the percentage of people who thought each group would be harmed.

(a) Explain the meaning of the term global warming.

(2)

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(b) (i) Describe and explain how global warming could affect plant species.

(4)

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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......................................................................................
(ii) Explain how the effects on plant species could affect animal species.
 (3)

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(c) This survey shows that 61% thought future generations of people could be harmed by global
warming. Suggest why the rest of the people surveyed thought that future generations of people
would not be harmed by global warming.

(3)

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(Total 12 marks)

25. The graph below shows how the depth of water in a freshwater lake affects the net

primary productivity (NPP).

(a) Place a cross in the box next to the units that should appear on the y-axis of this graph.

(b) Place a cross in the box next to the equation that describes the relationship
between NPP, gross primary productivity (GPP) and respiration (R).

(1)

A GPP = R – NPP

B NPP = GPP – R

C NPP = GPP + R

D R = GPP + NPP

(c) Suggest an explanation for the effect of depth of water on the NPP in this freshwater lake.

(4)

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(Total 6 marks)

26. The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon within an ecosystem.

In this cycle, carbon neutral processes do not change the concentration of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.

The table below shows the main sources and combustion products of some fuels.

(a) Place a cross in the box next to the names of the four fuels, shown in the table,

that could be considered to be biofuels.

(1)
A biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, methane

B biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, propane

C biodiesel, ethanol, methane, propane

D biodiesel, hydrogen, methane, propane

*(b) Large areas of land may need to be cleared in order to produce biofuels. This might involve
deforestation.

Discuss why the production of biofuels may not be carbon neutral.

(5)

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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
(c) Explain how the combustion products, from the burning of fuels, may lead to global warming. (4)

......................................................................................
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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Total 10 marks)
27. Farmers find it helpful to know the productivity of their land.

The diagram below shows the relationship between GPP (gross primary productivity),

NPP (net primary productivity) and R (plant respiration) for an area of grassland.

(a) The efficiency of the transfer of energy from GPP to NPP for this grassland is 45%.

(i) Calculate the values for NPP and R. Write your answers in the diagram above.

(2)

(ii) Using the information given, explain the relationship between GPP and NPP.

(3)

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(b) Suggest why NPP values would be of use to a farmer who wanted to use this land for cattle. (3)

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(c) The units (kJ m –2 year –1 ) used in the diagram show a rate of energy production.

Suggest why this is more useful than measurements of biomass in the grassland on a particular day.

(2)

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(Total 10 marks)

28.The group of birds, known as warblers, contains many species which are very similar

in external appearance.

Two of these species, the chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita, and the willow warbler,

Phylloscopus trochilus, are so similar that many experts can identify them only by

listening to their individually-characteristic songs.

These songs are used during breeding to mark territory and attract mates.

The photographs below show these two warblers.

(a) Although chiffchaffs and willow warblers are often found at the same time in the

same woodlands, they do not interbreed.

(i) Suggest why successful interbreeding between chiffchaffs and willow

warblers would make some scientists doubt their classification as separate species. (3)

......................................................................................
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(ii) Suggest reasons why the two species do not interbreed.
 (3)

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(b) Records show that very little change in the appearance of chiffchaffs and willow warblers has
occurred during the last two hundred years.

Suggest why the rate of change in the appearance of these two species is relatively slow.

(3)

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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......................................................................................
(Total 9 marks)

29 Clear areas with no trees can be found within many forests. These areas usually

have communities of animals and plants which are different from those found in

the wooded parts of the forest. These clear areas are maintained by the grazing of

animals such as rabbits and deer.

(a) Describe what might happen to the clear areas in forests, over a long period of

time, if the numbers of rabbits and deer decreased.

(3)

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(b) The butterfly Boloria selene (Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary) can be found in many

of the clear areas of British forests.

This butterfly lays its eggs on low-growing plants such as Viola riviniana (Dog

Violet), on which the caterpillars feed when they hatch.

The adult butterflies feed on nectar from plants such as Ajuga reptans (Bugle) and

other low-growing species.

Since the plants on which the butterfly depends are able to grow only in forest

clearings, small reproductively-isolated populations of B. selene can be identified in

many forests.

(i) The distribution of plants in a forest is affected by many abiotic factors.

Name one of these factors and suggest how this factor could affect the

distribution of the low-growing plants within the clear areas of a forest.

(3)

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(ii) Explain what is meant by the term reproductively-isolated populations of B. selene.

(3)
......................................................................................
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(iii) Suggest why it is unlikely that any individuals within a population of B. selene

would survive if the numbers of rabbits and deer decreased.

(3)

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(Total 12 marks)

30The diagram shows some processes linking photosynthesis to productivity and the

distribution of biomass in the trees in a forest.

(a) Complete the diagram by writing the appropriate word or words in box A and in box B.

(1)
(b) In a healthy forest ecosystem, the NPP should be distributed equally to the leaves, wood and
roots.

(i) State the meaning of the term ecosystem.

(1)

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

(ii) Which of the following are the units for NPP? (1)

(iii) In this forest, the total NPP was 11 700 units.

The leaves contained 34% of the NPP and the wood contained 39% of the NPP.

Calculate the NPP content in the roots.

(2)

Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . units

(Total 5 marks)

31. The graph shows the changes in mean temperature of the surface of the Earth from1970 to2017.
(a) Which of the following gases could be responsible for these temperature changes?

(1)

A carbon dioxide and methane

B carbon dioxide and oxygen

C carbon dioxide, methane and oxygen

D methane and oxygen

(b) What is the estimated change in the mean temperature of the surface of

the Earth in 2030?

(1)

A 1.3

B 1.1

C 0.8

D 0.2

(c) Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than infrared radiation.

Which row of the table describes the passage of ultraviolet light and infrared

radiation, reflected from the surface of the Earth, through gases in the atmosphere?

(1)

(d) Studying the width of tree rings provides evidence for climate change.

(i) Which of the following involves the study of tree rings?

(1)

A dendrochronology

B entomology

C epigenetics

D proteomics
 (ii) Explain why the width of tree rings produced in 1970 would be different from

the width of tree rings produced in 2010.

(3)

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(Total 7 marks)

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