Secondary 2 Biology Exam December 2023

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Questions and Answers

Why do blue herons accumulate more toxins compared to sunfish in their food chain?

Blue herons consume smaller fish that contain more toxins.

Sunfish have a faster metabolism that eliminates toxins.

Sunfish have a more effective detoxification system.

Blue herons are higher up in the food chain. (correct)

What is one likely effect of DDT accumulation on the blue heron over its lifetime?

Increased reproductive success.

Weakened immune response. (correct)

Improved hunting skills.

Enhanced growth rates.

What factor contributed significantly to the extinction of the dodo?

Competition from native species.

Deforestation caused by human activity. (correct)

The dodo's migratory behavior.

The dodo's ability to fly.

Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of successful invasive species?

Specific dietary requirements. Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem affected by invasive species?

They help in nutrient recycling and maintaining ecosystem balance. Signup and view all the answers

What role do chemicals produced by some white blood cells play in the immune response?

They attach to pathogens and kill them. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the population of insect-eating birds when brown tree snakes are introduced to Guam?

Their population decreases. Signup and view all the answers

How do decomposers function in an ecosystem?

They break down dead organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential ecological impact of an increase in the insect population in a forest?

Overgrazing and damage to young plants. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an invasive species?

A species introduced that disrupts local habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between DDT and bioaccumulation in an ecosystem?

DDT accumulates in organisms over time. Signup and view all the answers

In a food chain, which level typically contains the least amount of energy?

Tertiary consumers. Signup and view all the answers

How is the concentration of DDT measured in organisms?

In parts per million (ppm). Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in a food chain?

They break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would likely be a consequence of removing a top predator from an ecosystem?

Overpopulation of herbivores leading to plant overconsumption. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major threat to ecosystem conservation posed by invasive species?

They can outcompete native species for resources. Signup and view all the answers

In a food chain, which level is represented by organisms that directly consume producers?

Primary consumers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of producers in an ecosystem?

They are the only organisms that can create their own food using sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why food chains are essential to understand in ecology?

They show energy flow and nutrient cycling within an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of overfishing in an aquatic food chain?

Disruption of predator-prey relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors can lead to the decline of native species in an ecosystem?

Introduction of non-native species competing for resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary defense mechanism of the body against pathogens illustrated in the diagram?

Phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What process allows for the movement of gases like carbon dioxide and oxygen between the alveolus and capillary?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is characterized by its upward-extending arms in the Sonoran Desert?

Saguaro cactus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environmental concern regarding the use of DDT as an insecticide?

Effects on non-target species and ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

If all the pike in a pond are caught, which species is likely to see an increase in population?

Both tadpoles and perch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is primarily responsible for the upward movement of water through plants?

Transpiration Signup and view all the answers

What type of organism typically occupies the top level in a food chain?

Tertiary consumers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes why invasive species can disrupt ecosystems?

They can outcompete native species for resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which object is used to show temperatures of different items?

Thermometer Signup and view all the answers

Which component of blood is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen for respiration?

Red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

An ecosystem is best defined as what?

Interaction between living things and their non-living environment Signup and view all the answers

What term describes animals that are active during the night?

Nocturnal Signup and view all the answers

What do the arrows in a food chain represent?

Energy transfer Signup and view all the answers

As you inhale, which action is taken by the diaphragm?

It contracts Signup and view all the answers

Chemicals that cannot be naturally broken down are known as what?

Persistent chemicals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of organism functions as a producer in a food web?

Plants Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Which substances can be broken down by decomposers?

Organic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common pathway for the introduction of invasive species into new ecosystems?

Human activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a good reason for conserving mangrove ecosystems?

They form habitats for young fish Signup and view all the answers

What correctly describes what is taking place when a lion eats an antelope?

Carnivore is eating its prey Signup and view all the answers

Which large predator can be found in the Arctic Ocean Ecosystem?

Seal Signup and view all the answers

Larynx contains ____________, they are the bands of muscles.

Vocal cord Signup and view all the answers

Lions eat antelopes. Antelopes eat plants. What relationship is illustrated in this scenario?

Predator-prey relationship Signup and view all the answers

Why did the dodo become extinct on Mauritius?

It had no natural fear of humans. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an invasive species that affected the dodo's habitat?

Cats Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic often contributes to the success of invasive species?

High adaptability to new environments Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely long-term effect on the blue heron as it accumulates DDT?

Declining health and reproductive issues Signup and view all the answers

What could be a key factor in the decline of native species due to invasive species?

Higher predation pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason red blood cells are effective at transporting oxygen?

They contain a pigment called hemoglobin that binds to oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

Why can so many different species inhabit coral reefs?

Coral reefs offer multiple habitats and resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a toxic substance?

A substance that can cause harm or illness to living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

In the food chain described, which of the following correctly outlines the flow of energy?

Alga → Herbivorous fish → Carnivorous fish → Humans Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily transported in the plasma of blood?

Various substances including hormones and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding red blood cells?

They help transport oxygen to body tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main cellular components of blood known for defending against pathogens?

White blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which pigment is essential for red blood cells to perform their function?

Hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do some white blood cells use to kill pathogens?

Producing chemicals that attach and kill them Signup and view all the answers

How do certain white blood cells eliminate pathogens from the body?

By engulfing them and digesting them Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely result of an increase in the insect population in the forest?

Decrease in plant health due to overconsumption Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the introduction of brown tree snakes have on insect-eating birds in Guam?

Their population decreased Signup and view all the answers

How is DDT typically measured in organisms?

In parts per million (ppm) Signup and view all the answers

Why was DDT commonly used by farmers in the past?

To control insect pests Signup and view all the answers

What does bioaccumulation refer to in the context of DDT?

The buildup of toxins in an organism over time Signup and view all the answers

To the nearest whole number, how much greater is the concentration of DDT in birds of prey compared to sunfish?

20 times greater Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Examination and Evaluation Board Information

Examination: Biology
Level: Secondary 2
Batch Number: Secondary - 2
Marks: 50
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Date: December 2023

Instructions

Write answers in the space provided
Use dark blue or black pen
HB pencil for diagrams and graphs
Do not use correction fluid
Answer all questions

Section A - Multiple Choice Questions

Questions 1-15 carry 1 mark each
Choose the correct option and write the corresponding letter in the space provided
Total marks for Section A: 15

Section B - Short Answer Questions

Questions 16-20 carry 3 marks each
Answer each question in complete sentences
Total marks for Section B: 15

Section C - Matching Questions

Questions 21-24 carry 5 marks each
Choose the correct words to complete each sentence
Questions will involve choosing from vocabulary words and/or describing concepts
Total marks for Section C: 20

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Description

Prepare for your Secondary 2 Biology examination with this comprehensive quiz covering multiple choice, short answer, and matching questions. With a total of 50 marks available, this assessment will test your understanding of key concepts in biology. Ensure you review all sections carefully to maximize your performance.