CSEC Biology January 2007 P3
CSEC Biology January 2007 P3
SECTION A
1. (a) (i) Briefly explain how different pH levels are produced along the length of the
alimentary canal in humans.
(ii) Give TWO reasons why the elongated tubular shape of the alimentary canal is
suited to its digestive function. (8 marks)
(b) Following a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet is considered important in weight control
in humans.
(ii) What are the likely effects of~ and ljfesrvle on the constituents of a balanced
diet of an individual? (8 marks)
(c) In certain cases, an obese individual undergoes stomach stapling surgery in which the
volume of the stomach is reduced.
(ii) Give TWO disndvantaees of this process for the individuaL (4 marks)
Total 20 marks
2. (a) (i) Briefly explain how nitrogen from the air is cycled through Jiving systems.
(ii) Suggest TWO reasons why the cycling process in (a)(i) is important. (8 marks)
(b) Human activities sometimes disrupt natural cycles that arc important to Jiving organisms.
(i) Identify TWO human activities that disrupt natural cycles or processes.
(ii) For EACH activity identified at (b)(i), describe the precautions that may be taken
to reduce disruption of the natural cycles. (6 marks)
(c) The spread of many diseases can be reduced by human activity such as hygienic (sanitary)
and lifestyle practices.
(i) Identify TWO diseases that occur because of poor hygiene and inappropriate
lifestyle practices.
(ii) Explain how proper hygiene and sound lifestyle practices can help reduce the
occurrence of the diseases you identified at (c)(i). (6 marks)
Total 20 marks
SECTION B
(a) (i) What are the differences in structure between a mature red blood cell and a white
blood cell?
(ii) Explai n TWO likely effects of a relatively small number of red blood cells on the
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(b) (i) Trevor c uts his finger and his mother wraps it with a piece of cloth to stop the flow
of blood.
(ii) Often our immed iate response to symptoms of the common cold is to reach for an
antibiotic. What may be the disadvantages of this response? (8 marks)
(c) (i) Identify TWO types of immunity and explain how they provide protection for the
body.
(ii) Despite extensive medical research, viral diseases such as AIDS hove been
particularly difficult to cure.
What may be the benefits of encouraging pregnant women to be tested for the
AIDS virus? (6 marks)
Total 20 marks
(b) While walking to school one day, Vinita sees a ferocious dog about to attack. She turns
and runs.
(i) Explain how the eye and the central nervous system function to cause Vinita to see
and respond to the dog.
(ii) The hormone adrenalin is produced immediately. Explain the c hanges that take
place in Vinita's body as a result of the production ofadrenalin. (8 marks)
(c) (i) Describe how the movement of muscles a nd bones in the leg occurs for Vinita to
raise her knee and run.
(ii) After a while Vinita's legs become tired and she is forced to rest
Explain why her leg muscles become tired and what happens to them when she
rest.s. (8 mar ks)
Total 2 0 marks
SECTIO ' C
s. (a) Wilh the aid of u diagram, describe T HREE ways in which the xylem is su ited to its
function. (8 marks)
(ii) Another agricultural practice observed in the Caribbean is lh:u of covering newly
transplanted seedlings wilh coconut branches.
(Hi) A few weeks after transplanting, it is lhe practice to remove some healthy seedlings
while allowing others to grow.
Total 20 marks
6. (a) Using a diagram of a biomass pyramid, describe the relationships between the trophic
levels in a named habitaL (8 marks)
(b) (i) Suggest TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of rearing fish in an aquarium.
Explain why a fish species whose natural habitat is the sea shou ld NOT be bred in
freshwater ponds. (8 marks)
(c) Sometimes waterways become polluted by oil spills. S uggest how this may affect marine
organisms. (4 marks)
Total 20 marks
E DOFTEST
01207030/JAN UARY/F2007