Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Natural and artificial selection

Natural and artificial selection — practice question

Fig. 7.1 shows a red deer, Cervus elaphus. Red deer are herbivores that eat many different kinds of plants. Table 7.1 shows that the number of red deer in the UK rose between 1960 and 2010.
(a(i))[2]

Calculate the percentage increase in red deer in the UK from 1960 to 2010. Give your answer to one decimal place.

(a(ii))[3]

Suggest environmental factors that could stop the red deer population from increasing any further.

(b(i))[2]

Over many years, a selection pressure consistently acted against red deer with low body mass in a population. Sketch a curve on Fig. 7.3 to show the pattern of variation in body mass in this red deer population after this period, and name the type of force of natural selection that is acting.

(b)

Fig. 7.2 shows that body mass in red deer varies widely within populations.

(b(ii))[2]

Over many years, a selection pressure consistently acted against red deer with medium body mass in a different population. Sketch a curve on Fig. 7.4 to show the pattern of variation in body mass in this red deer population after this time, and name the type of force of natural selection that is acting.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $\frac{360000 - 135000}{135000} \times 100 = 166.7$

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