GCSE

BIOLOGY
8461/2F
Paper 2 Foundation Tier

Mark scheme
June 2019

Version: 1.0 Final

*196G84612F/MS*
 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them
in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.

It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular
examination paper.

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk

Copyright © 2019 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet
for their own internal use, with the following important exception: AQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material
that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Information to Examiners

1. General

The mark scheme for each question shows:

• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement
• the Assessment Objectives, level of demand and specification content that each question is intended
to cover.

The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the mark scheme
and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.

At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where consequential
marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the diagram or at a
different place on the script.

In general the right- hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which
confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is
straightforward and consistent.

2. Emboldening and underlining

2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is used, with
the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a
potential mark.

2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the mark.

2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different terms in the
mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.

2.4 Any wording that is underlined is essential for the marking point to be awarded.

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists

This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students have
provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that ‘right +
wrong = wrong’.

Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of error /
contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks can be
awarded.

However, responses considered to be neutral (indicated as * in example 1) are not penalised.

Example 1: What is the pH of an acidic solution?
[1 mark]

Student Response Marks

awarded
1 green, 5 0
2 red*, 5 1
3 red*, 8 0

Example 2: Name two planets in the solar system.

[2 marks]

Student Response Marks awarded

1 Neptune, Mars, Moon 1
2 Neptune, Sun, Mars, 0
Moon

3.2 Use of chemical symbols / formulae

If a student writes a chemical symbol / formula instead of a required chemical name, full credit can
be given if the symbol / formula is correct and if, in the context of the question, such action is
appropriate.

3.3 Marking procedure for calculations

Marks should be awarded for each stage of the calculation completed correctly, as students
are instructed to show their working. Full marks can, however, be given for a correct numerical
answer, without any working shown.

3.4 Interpretation of ‘it’

Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the
correct subject.

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

3.5 Errors carried forward

Any error in the answers to a structured question should be penalised once only.

Papers should be constructed in such a way that the number of times errors can be carried
forward is kept to a minimum. Allowances for errors carried forward are most likely to be restricted
to calculation questions and should be shown by the abbreviation ecf in the marking scheme.

3.6 Phonetic spelling

The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited unless there is a possible
confusion with another technical term.

3.7 Brackets

(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded but is
included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer required.

3.8 Allow

In the mark scheme additional information, ‘allow’ is used to indicate creditworthy

alternative answers.

3.9 Ignore

Ignore is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not enough to gain the
marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking point.

3.10 Do not accept

Do not accept means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is given
as well, will still mean that the mark is not awarded.

4. Level of response marking instructions

Extended response questions are marked on level of response mark schemes.
• Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor.
• The descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level.
• There are two marks in each level.

Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer, read through the answer and annotate it
(as instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Step 1: Determine a level

Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets
the descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be
seen in the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and
decide if it meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the
answer.

When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer. Do not look to penalise
small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the
rest. If the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a
best fit approach for defining the level.

Use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within the level, ie if the response is
predominantly level 2 with a small amount of level 3 material it would be placed in level 2 but be
awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 3 content.

Step 2: Determine a mark

Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to
allocate marks can help with this.

The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an answer in the
standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This answer will
have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer with the
example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.

You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify
points and assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.

Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.

You should ignore any irrelevant points made. However, full marks can be awarded only if there are
no incorrect statements that contradict a correct response.

An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.1 AO1
4.5.2.1
1

additional lines from a stimulus

negates the mark for that

stimulus

01.2 any two from: 1 AO1

• fast / rapid 1 4.5.2.1
• protect (from danger / harm)
• a response / a reaction ignore ‘action’
• automatic / involuntary or allow not coordinated by
not under conscious control conscious part of the brain
or
allow does not involve thought /
thinking
ignore not coordinated by the
brain

01.3 the muscle contracts 1 AO1

4.5.2.1

01.4 (10) in this order 2 AO2

(14) 4.5.2.1
8 all 3 correct = 2 marks 8.2.7
11 2 correct = 1 mark
13 0 or 1 correct = 0 mark

01.5 (after drinking coffee) allow mean before = 17 and 1 AO3

ruler falls less far (before being 4.5.2.1
caught) mean after = 11(.2) 8.2.7
or mean after is only 11(.2)
allow (ruler is) caught more

quickly

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.6 any two from: 2 AO3

• more repeats 4.5.2.1
• test more students 8.2.7
• use ruler with more precise ignore accurate
scale – eg mm scale
• drop from same height
(above the hand)
• make sure student B’s hand
is stationary
• same distance between
finger(s) and thumb allow alternative method – eg

use of computer to measure

reaction time

Total 10

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
02.1 an allele expressed even if a 1 AO1
person only has one copy of the 4.6.1.6
allele

02.2 AO2
4.6.1.6

all 3 correct= 2 marks 2

1 or 2 correct = 1 mark

02.3 correct probability from Figure 4 if no answer in Question 02.2 1 AO3

allow 0.5 4.6.1.6

02.4 AO2
4.6.1.6
gametes = X + X and X + Y 1 4.6.1.8

allow in incorrect positions

X, X, X and Y in correct boxes 1

02.5 an answer matching the answer AO2

from Question 02.3 × 0.5 scores 4.6.1.6
2 marks 4.6.1.8
if no answer in Question 02.3,
an answer of 0.25 / ¼ / 1 in 4 /
25% scores 2 marks
answer from Question 02.3 × if no answer in Question 02.3 1

0.5 allow 0.5 × 0.5

answer to calculation in mp1 if no answer in Question 02.3 1

allow 0.25 / ¼ / 1 in 4 / 25%

Total 8

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
03.1 46 1 AO1
4.6.1.2
4.6.1.8

03.2 half the mass of the DNA in cell 1 AO2

A 4.6.1.2

03.3 meiosis 1 AO1

4.6.1.2

03.4 mutation 1 AO1

4.6

03.5 any two from: 2 AO2

4.6
• different egg / sperm each 4.6.1.1
time
• genes from two parents
• each gamete / egg / sperm ignore different chromosomes
has different alleles / genes
/ DNA / genetic information
ignore the children have

different genes / alleles

03.6 8 1 AO2
4.1.2.2
4.6.1.2

03.7 40 allow in range 39 to 41 1 AO2

4.6.1.2

03.8 an answer of 80 scores 3 AO2

marks 4.6.1.2
allow ecf from Question 03.7 for
3 marks
an answer of 0.08 scores 2
marks
40 allow answer to Question 03.7 1

500
500
× 1000 1

80 an answer from mp1 but 1

not × 1000 scores 2 marks

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
03.9 embryo is (very) small 1 AO2
4.5
4.5.3.4
(so) embryo not seen / felt ignore not noticed 1 AO3

or
lost in normal menstrual flow

Total 13

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
04.1 bacteria 1 AO1
fungi 1 4.7.2.3

04.2 both increase rate 1 AO1

do not accept anaerobic 1 4.2.2.1
because oxygen is needed for 4.4.2.1
(aerobic) respiration ignore energy produced 4.5.1
or oxygen is used to release 4.7.2.3
energy 4.7.4.1
as increased temperature allow named example 1

causes faster reactions eg respiration

allow increased rate of enzyme
action

04.3 water allow H2O / H2O / moisture / rain 1 AO1

2
do not accept H O / H2O 4.7.2.3

04.4 methane 1 AO1

4.7.2.3

04.5 60 allow sixty 1 AO2

4.7.2.3

04.6 so plants / crops grow faster / 1 AO1

better 4.7.2.3
(decays further and) releases / allow releases / contains 1

contains mineral ions / named nutrients

example ignore nitrogen / food / carbon
dioxide
allow as a fertiliser
allow retains water in soil
allow improves drainage
allow insulates / keeps warm
allow suppresses weed growth
allow improves soil structure

Total 10

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
05.1 Raphus 1 AO2
4.6.4

05.2 any two from: 2 AO2

• humans hunted / killed / ate 4.6.3.6

the dodo
or dodo easy to catch
• humans ate / collected
eggs
• humans ate the dodo’s
food
• animals brought by allow examples – eg cats / dogs
humans ate dodo / eggs / pigs / rats
• diseases introduced by
humans or by imported
animals allow deforestation
• humans destroyed dodo’s
habitat / nests

05.3 any one from: 1 AO1

• growing crops / biofuels allow farming / agriculture 4.7.3.3
• grazing animals allow other correct examples – 4.7.3.4
• building houses
eg building roads
• quarrying / mining
• dumping waste

05.4 there is less photosynthesis 1 AO2

4.4.1.1
the trees are burned 1 4.4.1.2
4.7.3.4
4.7.3.5

05.5 increase 1 AO1

4.7.3.5

05.6 an answer of 270 scores 2 AO2

marks 4.7.3.4
9×30 1 4.7.3.6
270 1

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

AO /
Question Answers Mark
Spec. Ref.

05.7 Level 2: Relevant points (reasons/causes) are identified, given in 3–4 AO3
detail and logically linked to form a clear account.
Level 1: Points are identified and stated simply, but their 1–2
relevance is not clear and there is no attempt at logical linking.

No relevant content 0

Indicative content 4.7.3.1

4.7.3.4
• displaced animals can move to adjacent areas 4.7.3.6
• where suitable habitat is found or where the trees have not
been cut down
• seeds return to deforested area

• from other (forested) areas

• plants / trees begin to grow back

• so provide food / shelter / nest sites / suitable habitat for

animals
• animals return to re-growing area

• from other (forested) areas

• sufficient time for regeneration

• old growth area is a source of recolonising organisms

Total 13

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
06.1 protein 1 AO1
4.4.2.3
4.5.3.3

06.2 urea is a waste (product) allow toxic / poisonous or may 1 AO1

damage cells or denatures 4.5
proteins 4.5.3.3
ignore harmful / dangerous

06.3 in this order 4.4.2.1

respiration 1 4.4.2.2
4.7.4.3
breathing 1 AO1

06.4 in this order 2 AO3

least 3 correct = 2 marks 4.5.2.4
4.5.3.3
medium 1 or 2 correct = 1 mark
most

06.5 diffusion 1 AO1

4.1.3.1
4.5.3.3

06.6 protein 1 AO3

(molecules too) large this mark may only be awarded 1 4.5.3.3

if mp1 is correct or not

attempted
allow pores in membrane are
too small

06.7 3 allow three 1 AO3

4.5.3.3

06.8 increases ignore numbers 1 AO3

4.5.3.3

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
06.9 any two from: allow converse points for person 2 AO3
• has a low(er) concentration A / dialysis 4.5.3.3

of urea allow substance (if named must

• constant urea
concentration / level be correct)
• less time attached to
machine or fewer hospital
visits
• no / less restriction on
travel
• not piercing skin
repeatedly
• less chance of infection /
blood clots
• cheaper in the long term ignore cheaper unqualified
• no restrictions on diet

Total 13

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
07.1 primary consumer 1 AO2
4.7.2.1
4.7.4.1

07.2 correct shape: 4 tiers with 1 AO2

largest at bottom and smallest 4.7.4.2
at top
correctly labelled: in this order 1

or allow:
dragonfly / nymph 3rd-order or tertiary consumer or
apex / top predator or (trophic
level) 4
+ hydra 2nd-order or secondary
consumer or (trophic level) 3
+ daphnia 1st-order or primary consumer or
herbivore or (trophic level) 2
+ algae producer or (trophic level) 1
allow for 2 marks inverted

pyramid if correctly labelled

07.3 any one from: 1 AO1

(Daphnia biomass smaller 4.7.4.3
because) ignore waste
• non-digestible parts (of
algae) or lost in faeces
• not all absorbed
• lost in urine / urea allow excretion
• used in respiration or lost
as carbon dioxide / CO2 allow (to supply energy) for
movement / warmth
• algae not all eaten allow used to supply energy
or eaten by other
organisms
• some algae decompose

07.4 an answer of 14 000 scores AO2

14 2 marks 1 4.7.2.1

14 000 allow evidence of an incorrectly 1

calculated mean × 1000

allow 1.4 × 104

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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

07.5 an answer of 2.625 × 104 AO2

or 2.63 × 104 4.7.2.1
or 2.6 × 104 scores 4 marks
an answer of 26250 scores 3
marks
allow ecf from Question 07.4

(volume of pond = ) an incorrect answer for one step 1

1.875 does not prevent allocation of

or 2.5 × 1.5 × 0.5 marks for subsequent steps
14 000 × 1.875 allow ecf from Question 07.4 1

26250 1

2.625 × 104 allow 2.63 × 104 or 2.6 × 104 1

07.6 increased (growth / 1 AO2

reproduction of) algae 4.7.2.1
4.7.3.2
(more algae so) more food for 1 4.7.4.1
Daphnia
allow fertiliser toxic to Hydra (1)

(so) fewer Daphnia eaten (1)

07.7 (Hydra have) less food 1 AO3

4.7.2.1
because (graph shows) fewer 1 4.7.3.2
Daphnia (with more fertiliser)
allow other valid suggestions, eg

fertiliser toxic to Hydra (1)

or
fertiliser causes growth of algae
(on surface) which block light
and so die and decay
or
eutrophication (1)
(decay / eutrophication) uses up
oxygen (so lack of oxygen for
Hydra) (1)

Total 14

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
08.1 chromosome(s) allow gene(s) / allele(s) 1 AO1
4.6.1.4
4.1.2.1

08.2 X = sugar 1 AO1

Y = nucleotide 1 4.6.1.5

Z = base 1

08.3 double helix 1 AO1

4.6.1.4

08.4 3 1 AO2
4.6.1.5

08.5 any two from: allow descriptions or named 2 AO1

examples 4.6.1.4
• diagnosis of inherited / allow research / understand

genetic disorder genetic disorders

• gene therapy or treatment
of inherited disorders
• understanding (human)
evolution
or
understanding ethnic
origins (of a person)
or
understanding ancestry
• tracing human migration
patterns
allow other examples – eg
identification of criminals (1)
paternity determination (1)

Total 8

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec.
Rf

09.1 named example of tropism – eg allow hydrotropism or 1 AO1

geotropism / gravitropism chemotropism or thermotropism 4.5.4.1
correct corresponding stimulus – allow water or chemical or 1

eg gravity ‘heat’

09.2 Level 3: The method would lead to the production of a valid 5–6 AO1
outcome. All key steps are identified and logically sequenced. AO2
4.5.4.1
Level 2: The method would not necessarily lead to a valid 3–4
outcome. Most steps are identified, but the plan is not fully logically
sequenced.
Level 1: The method would not lead to a valid outcome. Some 1–2
relevant steps are identified, but links are not made clear.
No relevant content 0

Indicative content

• several seedlings in each batch

or one pot of seedlings in each batch
• measure heights of shoots
• leave some in dark with light from one side / direction in box
with hole
• control(s) with all-round light or rotating on clinostat or in dark
• control variable(s) eg same temperature / water / soil type
• after suitable time (at least several hours)
• record appearance of seedlings re. light direction
• re-measure heights of shoots
• detail of how bent shoots were measured – eg use thread or
straighten them out
• calculate mean height increase for each group
• use ruler / protractor to estimate angle of bending

for level 3 a reference to comparing the growth of plants with light

from one direction with plants either in darkness or in full light
along with a control variable is required

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 MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2F – JUNE 2019

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO /

Spec. Ref.
09.3 leaves / plant receive(s) / 1 AO2
absorb(s) more light 4.5.4.1
4.7.2.1
(so) more photosynthesis 1 4.4
4.4.1.2
(so plant) produces more allow starch / carbohydrate / 1 AO1
glucose sugar / organic material / other
named organic substance
if no other mark awarded allow 1

mark for any two of the mark

points with no reference to
‘more’

Total 11

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