Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Biodiversity

Biodiversity — practice question

Biodiversity may be assessed at three separate levels. One of these is the genetic variation within a species.
(a)[2]

Outline two further levels at which biodiversity can be measured.

(b)[3]

Explain why scientists use databases and computers to calculate the mean number of nucleotide differences per site.

(c)

Table 2.1 displays the mean number of nucleotide differences per site for some species.

(c(i))[1]

State the genus name of the species that shows the greatest genetic variation.

(c(ii))[1]

State how many kingdoms of organisms are shown in Table 2.1.

(d(i))[3]

Give reasons why low genetic variation may reduce the long-term survival of a species.

(d(ii))[1]

Question 2(d) says that 'low genetic variation is assumed to decrease the chance of the long-term survival of a species'. Predict the relationship between genetic variation and conservation status if this assumption is correct.

(d(iii))[3]

Assess whether the information in Fig. 2.2 supports the prediction you made in 2(d)(ii).

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: number/range of different ecosystems/habitats

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