Answers to Exam practice
Chapter 26
Basic genetics
Multiple-choice questions (p.26-51)
1. C
2. C
3. D
4. C
The albino child must have inherited two recessive
alleles for albinism, one from each of the parents.
Since the parents have normal skin pigmentation,
they must be heterozygous.
5. A
In cross I, some of the F1 individuals must be
heterozygous. They have received an allele for
normal wings and an allele for cut wings from their
parents. However, all the F1 individuals have normal
wings. In a heterozygous condition, only the
dominant allele will be expressed.
6. A
If the gene for the wing shape is not located on the
X-chromosome, the normal wing male parent
should be heterozygous in order to produce some
offspring with recessive cut wings. And the ratio of
cut wing males to cut wing females in the F1
generation would be around 1:1. However, there
are no cut wing females in the F1 generation.
7. A
All the kittens should be heterozygous in both fur
length and fur colour. Since all the kittens had long
black fur, long fur and black fur are dominant
characters. Based on the information provided, we
cannot determine whether the genes controlling
fur length and fur colour are located on the same
chromosome or not.
8. C
Short fur and white fur are not new characters. The
alleles for short fur and white fur are recessive and
their effects are masked by the alleles in the F1
generation.
9. B
10. B
11. B
Individual 3 is affected. He must have at least one
allele for the trait that he has inherited from either
of his parents. Both of his parents do not have the
trait and each of them must have at least one
normal allele. At least one of the parents is
heterozygous. In a heterozygous condition, only
the dominant allele can express its effects.
Therefore, the normal phenotype is dominant.
12. D
In cross X, the mother is homozygous recessive and
all her F1 offspring must have inherited one
recessive allele from her. Since all her F1 offspring
are normal, they must have inherited one normal
dominant allele from individual 1. Individual 1 may
be homozygous dominant or heterozygous.
In cross Y, both the parents are normal and each of
them must have at least one normal dominant
allele. Whether individual 2 is homozygous or
heterozygous, their offspring (F2 generation) will be
normal if they inherit one dominant allele from
either of their parents.
13. B
14. C
Short questions (p.26-54)
15. (a) (i) In chromosomes (1)
inside the nucleus (1)
(ii) The DNA replicates. / The chromosomes
are duplicated. (1)
(b) (i) 1 (1)
(ii) 2 (2)
16. (a) (i) 3:1 (1)
(ii) The phenotypic ratio of the offspring
matches the monohybrid ratio. (1)
Both parents are heterozygous for the seed
colour (1)
and the allele for purple seed is dominant.
(1)
Both parents have purple seeds. (1)
T 1
 (b) Yellow (1) If all of the F1 offspring is black, the black
Maize plants grown from yellow seeds only parent is homozygous dominant (BB). (1)
produce gametes carrying recessive alleles, If black and brown offpsring are produced,
which fuse to produce offspring that are the black parent is heterozygous (Bb). (1)
homozygous recessive. (1)
20. HKALE Biology 2009 Paper 1 Q6
17. HKDSEE Biology 2015 Paper 1 Section B Q4
21. HKDSEE Biology 2016 Paper 1 Section B Q10
18. (a) Male with red eyes: XR Y (1)
22. HKDSEE Biology 2013 Paper 1 Section B Q4
Female with white eyes: Xr Xr (1)
23. (a) Recessive (1)
(b)
Individual 7 with albinism must have at least
Parents: red-eyed male red-eyed frmale
one allele for albinism that is inherited from
XRY XRXr
either of her parents (individual 1 or 2). (1)
Individuals 1 and 2 who are normal must have
at least one normal allele. (1)
Gametes: XR Y XR Xr (1)
Hence, at least one of individuals 1 and 2 is
heterozygous. (1)
In a heterozygous condition, the dominant
F1 genotypes: X X R R
XXR r R
XY XYr
(1) allele is expressed and the recessive allele is
masked . (1)
Phenotypes red-eyed red-eyed white-eyed (b) (i) The term ‘sex-linked’ describes a gene
frmales male male (1)
located on a sex chromosome / a trait
Ratio: 2 : 1 : 1 determined by a gene located on a sex
chromosome. (1)

Structured questions (p.26-55) (ii) Individual 7 is an albino female; her

genotype is homozygous recessive. (1)
19. (a) BB, Bb (1), (1)
If the recessive allele for albinism is located
(b) on X chromosome (X-linked), individual 10
Parents: black fur black fur must have inherited the X chromosome
Bb Bb bearing the recessive allele from individual
7 and would be an albino. (1)
If the recessive allele for albinism is located
(1) on Y chromosome (Y-linked), all male
Gametes: B b B b
offspring of individual 3 (i.e. individuals and
8 and 9) must have inherited the Y
chromosome bearing the recessive allele
F1 genotypes: BB Bb Bb bb (1) and would be albinos. (1)
However, individuals 10 and 8 are normal.
Phenotypes black fur brown fur (1) (1)
Therefore, it is impossible for albinism to be
sex-linked.
(c) (i) BB, Bb (1), (1)
(ii) Cross each of the parents with a brown (c) 50% or 1/2 (1)
mouse. (1)
24. HKDSEE Biology 2017 Paper 1 Section B Q10

T 2
Essay (p.26-59) 2. C

25. Differences between continuous and discontinuous
variation:
• Continuous variation has a continuous range of
intermediate phenotypes between two
extremes, while discontinuous variation has
only a few distinct phenotypes with no
intermediates. (1) /
Codons are code present on mRNA and the
nucleotide bases involved are A, C, G or U. Some
codons do not code for amino acids but signify the
start or stop of transcription.
3. A
4. D

• Data of continuous variation can be plotted as 5. D

a normal distribution curve (presented in a
histogram), while data of discontinuous 6. A
variation is presented in a bar chart. (1) /
7. A
• Characteristics showing continuous variation
Karyotyping can show whether the chromosomes
are usually quantitative, while characteristics
of the foetus are normal in number and
showing discontinuous variation are usually
appearance. Sickle-cell anaemia is caused by a gene
qualitative. (1) /
mutation and cannot be reviewed by karyotyping.
• Characteristics showing continuous variation
are controlled by many genes, while 8. D
characteristics showing discontinuous variation
9. D
are usually controlled by one gene. (1)
(Any three, 3)
Short questions (p.27-29)
Examples:
• Continuous variation – height / weight / 10. In transcription, one of the DNA strands is used as
intelligence quotient (1) the template in transcription. In translation, an
mRNA molecule is used as the template in
• Discontinuous variation – blood group / sex /
translation. (1) /
presence of ear lobes (1)
Transcription involves the help of RNA polymerase,
Effects of genetic and environmental factors:
while translation involves the help of ribosomes. (1) /
• Environmental factors have greater effects on
Transcription occurs in the nucleus, while
continuous variation than on discontinuous
translation occurs in the cytoplasm. (1) /
variation. (1)
Transcription uses RNA nucleotides as the
• E.g. malnutrition can limit the height of people
monomers for the production of mRNA, while
despite their genetic potential. / a high calories
translation uses amino acids as the monomers for
diet can cause people to gain weight despite
the production of polypeptide chains. (1) /
their genetic potential to be thin.
mRNA produced in transcription will be transported
(Accept other reasonable answers.) (1)
to the cytoplasm for translation, while polypeptides
Communication (max. 3)
produced in translation will be transported to ER for
packaging. (1)
(Any four, 4)
Chapter 27
11. (a) (i) These cells are assumed to have more
Molecular genetics ribosomes / tRNA molecules / ATP / amino
Multiple-choice questions (p.27-28) acids (1)
to continue to synthesis proteins at a high
1. A
rate. (1)

T 3
 (ii) Any mRNA added can reach ribosomes
more easily. / Protein products can be
extracted more easily. (1)
(iii) Only the desired protein product will be
produced. / Unwanted proteins do not
have to be separated from the desired
products. / Translation will be less efficient
if other proteins are made. (1)
(iv) All types of cells use the same mechanism
of translation. (1)
The genetic code is universal. (1)
(b) Other organelles are damaged. / Some
ribosomes are lost. / Fewer amino acids are
available. / No (or reduced) respiration leads to
low energy supply for protein synthesis. (1)
12. (a) (i) Mutation 1: inversion (1)
Mutation 2: substitution (1)
(ii) They cause a reading frame shift / every
codon after the point of mutation to
change. (1)
The resulting polypeptide will have a
different sequence of amino acids and may
fold into a protein with a different
conformation. (1)
(b) Nitrous acid / Tar / Dioxin (or other reasonable
answers) (1)
13. (a) (i) mRNA bases: GGU GCA UUC ACC GGC (1)
(ii) Amino acids: Gly Ala Phe Thr Gly (1)
(b) (i) The mRNA codon will be changed from
GCA to GCG. (1)
Both GCA and GCG code for the same
amino acid. (1)
(ii) This results in a new sequence of amino
acids (Gly Ala Ser Pro). (1)
14. (a) trisomy (21) / aneuploidy (1)
(b) (i) Age 30: 0.1%
Age 40: 1% (1)
(ii) The risk of Down syndrome increased
significantly/exponentially over age 35; (1)
under 35 the risk of miscarriage is
significantly greater than the risk of having
a Down syndrome foetus. (1)
T 4
(iii) These mothers are not screened for Down
syndrome therefore if foetus has Down
syndrome will proceed to term. / Older
mothers are screened therefore may have
abortion if Down syndrome is detected. /
More children are born to mothers under
35. (1)
Structured questions (p.27-31)
15. HKDSEE Biology 2017 Paper 1 Section B Q4
16. (a) (i) transfer RNA (tRNA) (1)
(ii) Molecule X (the tRNA molecule) carries a
specific amino acid to a ribosome. (1)
Molecule X has an anticodon, which binds
temporarily with the complementary codon
on the mRNA. (1)
Amino acids are added one by one,
forming a polypeptide. (1)
(b) A section of DNA unwinds. (1)
One of the DNA strands acts as the template
for the synthesis of molecule W. (1)
Free RNA nucleotides pair with the exposed
bases on the template strand following the
rules of complementary base pairing. (1)
17. (a) (i) Its nucleic acid is RNA. (1)
No transcription is needed. / Only
ribosomes are need. / Only translation
needs to take place. (1)
(ii) Ribosomes (1)
(iii) Viral RNA attaches to ribosomes. (1) /
Each codon codes for one amino acid. (1) /
Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino
acid. (1) /
tRNA has an anticodon, which binds
temporarily with the complementary codon
on the mRNA. (1) /
Amino acids are joined by peptide bonds to
form a polypeptide. (1)
(Any four, 4)
(b) (i) Ile, Lys, Lys, Ile (1)
(ii) UAA, AAA, AAA, UAC (1)
(iii) STOP (1)
 (iv) The original base sequence has a stop
codon (1)
so no further amino acids are added / so
translation stops. (1)
18. (a) (i) Any change in the structure (1)
or number of chromosomes. (1)
(ii) Chromosomes mutations affect large
segments of DNA containing many genes.
(1)
(b) (i) During the formation of gametes by
meiosis, the pair of sex chromosomes (X
chromosomes) may fail to separate (1)
so some gametes formed will carry both
the chromosomes, and some will have no
sex chromosome (X chromosome). (1)
When the gametes without a sex
chromosome fused with a normal gamete
carrying an X chromosome, a zygote with
only one X chromosome will be formed. (1)
(ii) Deletion (1)
(iii) Different parts of the chromosome carry
different genes, (1)
which determine phenotypes by controlling
the synthesis of different proteins. (1)
Essay (p.27-40)
19. Transcription is the use of a DNA strand to make a
complementary strand of mRNA in the nucleus. (1) /
A section of DNA unwinds. (1) /
One of the DNA strands is used as the template for
synthesizing mRNA. (1) /
Free RNA nucleotides in the nucleus pair with the
exposed bases on the template strand following the
rules of complementary base pairing. (1) /
RNA polymerase catalyses the synthesis of mRNA.
(1) /
The mRNA synthesized leaves the nucleus by
passing through a nuclear pore. (1) /
The mRNA molecules attaches to ribosomes in the
cytoplasm. (1) /
Translation is the production of a polypeptide
chain, with an amino sequence determined by the
series of codons on the mRNA. (1) /
A tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and
an anticodon. (1) /
The anticodon binds temporarily with the
complementary codon on the mRNA. (1) /
Amino acids are joined by peptide bonds to form a
polypeptide. (1) /
The ribosome moves along the mRNA molecule
until a stop codon is met. (1)
(Any ten, 10)
20. A gene mutation is a change in the base sequence
of DNA in a gene. (1) /
Gene mutations can occur by insertion, deletion,
substitution or inversion of bases. (1) /
A substitution or an inversion of bases changes one
codon for another. (1) /
The amino acid sequence of the polypeptide will
not change if the new codon codes for the same
amino acid. (1) /
The polypeptide will have a different amino acid if
the new codon codes for a different amino acid. (1) /
If the new amino acid alters the conformation of
the polypeptide (protein) sufficiently, the protein
will not function properly. (1) /
If the mutation changes the codon for one amino
acid to a stop codon, the polypeptide produced
will be shorter than normal. (1) /
An insertion or a deletion of bases will change the
grouping of bases / cause a reading frame shift. (1) /
A reading frame shift alters the whole sequence of
bases after the point of mutation. (1) /
If the mutation is not masked by a normal allele,
the phenotype of the organism will be affected. (1)
(Any seven, 7)
Communication (max. 3)
T 5
 Chapter 28
Biotechnology
Multiple-choice questions (p.28-29)
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. B
As children inherit their DNA from their parents,
the DNA profile of a child shares some bands with
the mother and other bands with the father.
Comparing the DNA profiles of Mr. Chan and the
four children, any DNA bands of the children that
are not shared with Mr. Chan should have come
from Mrs. Chan.
5. D
6. C
Short questions (p.28-30)
7. (a) A
(b) C
(c) D
8. (a) 2, 5, 3, 1, 4 (1)
(b) Insulin / Human growth hormone / Hepatitis B
vaccine (or other reasonable answers) (1)
(c) The rate of production can be increased / can
become higher. (1)
The range of products can be increased / can
become larger. (1)
9. (a) Gel electrophoresis / DNA fingerprinting / DNA
profiling (1)
(b) Male 1; because all of the child’s bands match
either those of the mother or those of male 1
(1)
10. (a) The human genome refers to all the genetic
material of any cell in humans. (1)
(b) To identify and locate all of the human genes
(or gene mapping) (1) /
T 6
To store the information obtained in public
databases (1) /
To improve tools for data analysis (1) /
To transfer related technologies to the private
sector (1) /
To address the ethical, legal, and social issues
that may arise (1)
(Any two, 2)
(c) Genetic study (1)
Medical diagnosis and diseases treatment (1)
Evolutionary studies (1)
(Any two, 2)
(d) It may promote eugenics as the distinction
between medical treatment and enhancement
is not always clear. / It may lead to
discrimination.
(Accept other reasonable answers.) (1)
Structured questions (p.28-31)
11. (a) (i) In a human cell the genetic material is
founded in the nucleus; in a bacterial cell
the genetic material is found in the
cytoplasm. (1)
In a human cell the genetic material occurs
as rod-like chromosomes; in a bacterial cell
the genetic material occurs as a circular
chromosome. (1)
Bacterial cells contain plasmids in addition
to the bacterial chromosome. (1)
(ii) Cell wall, cell membrane (1), (1)
(iii) Asexual reproduction / Binary fission /
Mitosis (1)
This produces genetically identical cells /
clones (1)
that are capable of producing insulin / the
same product. (1)
(iv) Diabetes (mellitus) (1)
(v) Fermenter / Bioreactor (1)
12. (a) (i) Suspect B (1)
The DNA bands of suspect B match those
of the sample from the crime scene. (1)
 (ii) The DNA may have been left on some
other, innocent occasion. / The DNA may
come from a pair of identical twins. / The
DNA sample may have been contaminated
after the crime.
(Accept other reasonable answers.) (1)
(iii) White blood cells (1)
(b) Reason for: Help in identifying criminals /
victims of disasters / compatible organ donors
(1)
Reason against: Right argument / Cost of
setting up or managing the database (1)
(c) The closer the evolutionary relationship
between two groups of organisms, the more
bands in their DNA fingerprints they will share
in common. (1)
Essay (p.28-32)
13. Benefits:
• Knowledge of the human genome may help
scientists study the functions of genes. (1)
• Knowledge of the human genome may allow
scientists to better understand how mutations
occur / to assess the health damage and risks
caused by exposure to certain mutagens. (1)
• The human genome may allow a better
understanding of non-coding DNA. (1)
• The human genome may help scientists to
develop new diagnostics tests and treatments
of diseases. (1)
• Evolutionary relationships between humans and
other organisms can be established by
comparing their genomes. (1)
Limitations:
• The functions of many genes / The ways how
genes interact are still unknown. (1)
• The data obtain is still not enough to
understand some biological processes. (1)
(Accept other reasonable answer.)
Communication (max. 3)
Chapter 29
Biodiversity
Multiple-choice questions (p.29-42)
1. D
2. A
3. D
4. D
5. C
6. C
7. B
Although all four options are features of mammals,
not all of them are essential to living on land.
Desiccation is one of the biggest threats to life on
land. Internal fertilization prevents desiccation of
gametes during fertilization.
8. C
9. B
10. A
Organisms living in the same habitat or have similar
behaviours do not necessary have closer
phylogenetic relationship.
Short questions (p.29-43)
11. (a) Class: Mammalia (1)
Species: Vulpes lagopus (1)
(b) White hair: camouflage in the snow / blending
in the environment (1)
Thick hair: reducing heat loss by heat insulation
/ trapping (warm) layer of air (1)
Small ears: reducing the surface area for heat
loss (1)
(c) Scientific names are unique / universal; (1)
while common names may be different in
different languages. (1)
12. HKDSEE Biology 2017 Paper 1 Section B Q6
T 7
 13. (a) Dicot (1)
The flower has five petals. (1)
The leaves have net venation. (1)
(b) Scientists can allow Beuhinia Blakeana to self-
pollinate. (1)
If no fruits / seeds are produced, then Bauhinia
variegata and Bauhinia purpurea are separate
species. (1)
This is because members of the same species
should be able to produce fertile offspring. (1)
14. HKDSEE Biology 2012 Paper 1 Section B Q4
15. HKDSEE Biology 2016 Paper 1 Section B Q4
Structured questions (p.29-47)
16. (a) (i) Fungi (1)
(ii) Do the cells have cell walls made of
cellulose / have chloroplasts? (1)
(iii) Do the cells have a true nucleus /
mitochondria / endoplasmic reticulum? /
Is the organism multicellular? (1)
(b) (i) Q: Phylum / Phyla (1)
R: Class (1)
S: Order (1)
T: Family (1)
(ii) Slime moulds are classified as eukaryotes /
in the domain Eukarya. (1) /
The classification is based on genetics /
DNA / base sequences / amino acid
sequences. (1) /
Slime moulds are found to be distinct from
other eukaryotic kingdoms. (1) /
Slime moulds are found to be less similar to
protoctists / more similar to plants or fungi.
(1)
(Any three, 3)
(iii) The three-domain classification system
reflects phylogenetic relationships better. (1)
There are fundamental differences between
bacteria (prokaryotes) and the other four
kingdoms (eukaryotes). (1)
There are fundamental differences between
bacteria and archaea. (1)
T 8
Essay (p.29-48)
17. • Modern classification aims to reflect
phylogenetic relationships among organisms.
(1) /
• Organisms are classified into three domains
(Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya) and six
kingdoms. (1) /
• Eubacteria is the only kingdom in the domain
Bacteria and archaebacterial is the only
kingdom in the domain Archaea. (1) /
• The domain Eukarya consists of four kingdoms
(Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia). (1) /
• Classification groups (taxa) are hierarchical:
domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family,
genus, and species. (1) /
• Domain is the largest (broadest) group while
species is the smallest (most specific) group. (1) /
• A species is a group of organisms that can
interbreed to produce fertile offspring. (1) /
• From the domain to the species level, the
number of organisms in each taxon decreases
while their similarities increase. (1) /
• Biochemical methods are used to compare
similarities in DNA / amino acid sequences of
different species. (1) /
• The greater the similarity, the more closely
related the species are. (1)
(Any seven, 7)
Communication (max. 3)
Chapter 30
Origins of life and the evidence
for evolution
Multiple-choice questions (p.30-23)
1. B
2. A
Soft tissues easily decay and cannot be fossilized.
3. C
The lower the rock layer, the older the rock. Fossils
found in older rocks appeared earlier on Earth. The
organisms that formed the fossils found in older
rocks were simpler and less diverse than the
organisms that formed the fossils found in newer
rocks.
4. C
5. B
Species X and Z have the fewest differences in
amino acid sequences and thus they have the
closest evolutionary relationship among the three
species. X and Z should be placed on the two
closest branches on the evolutionary tree.
By comparing the number of amino acid
differences to X and Z respectively, we can see that
species Y has a closer evolutionary relationship with
Z than with X.
6. A
P and Q have only one difference in the nucleotide
sequence, while R and S have only one difference in
the nucleotide sequence. P has the closest
evolutionary relationship with Q, while R has the
closest evolutionary relationship with S.
Short questions (p.30-24)
7. (a) Measured diameter of the oldest shell in the
diagram = 0.6 cm
Actual diameter of the oldest shell = 0.5 mm (1)
(b) The shell has become larger. (1)
The number of slits has increased (from 3 to 5).
(1)
(c) The species dies out. (1)
(d) No fossils of this species were found in the top
layer (layer A). (1)
8. (a) Radioisotope dating (1)
(b) The limbs of the animals became longer to
form more efficient levers. (1)
The toes reduced in number / some toes
became lifted from the ground so as to place
the body weight on the biggest toe. (1)
These features helped the animals adapt to fast
running on grasslands in order to escape from
predators. (1)
(c) The molars became larger. (1) /
The crown of the molars became harder. (1) /
Ridges formed on the crown surface of the
molars. (1) /
The molars can grow continuously. (1) (Any two, 2)
(Any two, 2)
9. (a) Australopithecus (1)
(b)
Homo sapiens and Homo erectus (1, 1)
(c) The characteristics of organisms are determined
by the genetic material DNA. (1)
Changes in the base sequences of DNA may
affect the amino acid sequences of proteins and
result in different characteristics. (1)
Some scientists believe that organisms with
closer evolutionary relationships would have
more similarities and fewer differences in the
base sequences of DNA and amino acid
sequences of proteins. (1)
Structured questions (p.30-26)
10. (a) Z  Y  X (1)
The lowest rock layer was formed at the most
ancient time, meaning that the fossils found in
the lowest layer are the oldest. (1)
The uppermost rock layer is formed most
recently, meaning that the fossils in the upper
layers should be younger. (1)
(b) Fossils found in the lower rock layers are
simpler in structure (1)
and they are aquatic organisms. (1)
Fossils found in the upper rock layers are more
complex in structure (1)
and they are terrestrial organisms. (1)
(c) No, (1)
organism X did not exist during the time when
stratum 2 is formed. (1)
11. HKALE Biology 2007 Paper 2 Q2(a)–(c) (1)
12. (a) Length range: accept answers in the range 270
to 350 mm
Age range: accept answers in the range 3.3 to
2.4 millions of years (1)
(b) The ranges of femur lengths overlap (are
similar). /
H. erectus has the shortest value (or H.
neanderthalensis has the longest value). /
The femur length of H. erectus changes over
time, whereas H. neanderthalensis does not.
T 9
 (c) Overall trend of increasing femur length implies
evolutionary advantage. Species with shorter
femurs died out. /
Longer femurs may allow for faster movement. /
Longer femurs may allow for upright posture,
so the species is taller to see predators. /
The femur range of the more recent specimens
overlaps, suggesting no strong selective
advantage. /
Evidence not strong since few specimens exist.
(or other reasonable answers) (Any two, 2)
(d) Few older specimens were found. /
There are gaps in the fossil record /
Fossil specimens may not be identified correctly /
Age of specimens may not be accurate /
Femur lengths of incomplete fossils are
estimates.
(or other reasonable answers) (Any two, 2)
13. (a) (i) Polar bear and brown bear (1)
(ii) No, because the red panda is more closely
related to raccoons, while the giant panda
is more closely related to bears. (1)
(b) (i) Scientific knowledge is tentative and
subject to change (1)
when new evidence is found. (1)
(ii) The similarity of their haemoglobins might
be an adaptation to living at high altitude. The bigger mice have a better chance to survive
(1)
Their haemoglobins are adapted to take up
oxygen at low partial pressure at high
altitude. (1)
This similarity may be due to environmental
conditions, but not common ancestry. (1)
Chapter 31
Mechanisms of evolution and
speciation
Multiple-choice questions (p.31-26)
1. A
Variations that are not inheritable cannot be passed
on to the offspring and thus the offspring cannot
acquire those variations.
T 10
2. B
In the case of the evolution of peppered moths in
England, variations exist in the colour of the
peppered moths, i.e. white or black peppered
moths. The selection pressure is the polluted
environment, e.g. tree trunks or buildings covered
by soot. Black peppered moths have a selective
advantage and they have a better chance to survive
and reproduce.
3. C
4. D
Statement (1) is incorrect. Mosquitoes acquire DDT
resistance by mutations or they inherit DDT
resistance from the parents.
5. C
6. D
7. D
Short questions (p.31-27)
8. Due to random mutations, (1)
variations in body size exist in populations of mice.
(1)
The bigger mice have a relatively small surface area
to volume ratio (or have a thicker layer of fat for
insulation), so they can withstand the cold. (1)
and reproduce than the smaller mice. The alleles for
a bigger body size can be passed on to offspring.
(1)
Over many generations, the proportion of bigger
mice in populations in colder regions increases. (1)
9. Genetic variations exist in individuals of the same
species of fish—some mature at larger body sizes
while some mature at smaller body sizes. (1)
Due to the size limit of fish catching, the fish that
mature at smaller sizes are released back to the
ocean. They are selected for and have a better
chance to survive and reproduce. (1)
The trait of maturing at smaller sizes can be passed
on to the offspring. (1)
Over many generations, the proportion of fish that
mature at smaller sizes increases and eventually
become dominant. (1)
10. (a) Species Y has a wing pattern similar to species
X. Birds would mistake species Y as species X
and (1)
avoid eating them. (1)
(b) Genetic variations exist among individuals of
species Y. Some individuals have a wing pattern
similar to species X. (1)
These individuals can avoid predation by birds
and survive. (1)
They reproduce and pass on the favourable
characteristics to their offspring. (1)
Over many generations, the proportion of
species Y having a wing pattern similar to
species X increases. (1)
Structured questions (p.31-28)
11. (a) (i) Z (1)
(ii) Y (1)
(iii) X (1)
(b) (i) Natural selection (1)
(ii) Genetic variations exist among individuals
of finches. (1)
Variations may also be produced by
mutation. (1)
Some finches developed small, long and
thin beaks. (1)
They were adapted to pick up small insects
from the holes of the bark. (1)
These finches have a better chance to
survive and reproduce. (1)
This characteristic was passed on to next
generations and the proportion of finches
having small, long and thin beaks increases. isolated group are different. (1)
(1)
12. (a) When a pollinator visits a pin-eyed flower,
pollen grains will stick to the middle of its
mouthpart. (1)
When the pollinator visits another pin-eyed
flower, its stigma is at a position higher than
the middle of the mouthpart of the pollinator.
Pollen grains cannot be brushed onto the
stigma. (1)
No pollination or fertilization occurs. (1)
(b) Cross pollination will lead to cross fertilization
which can create more genetic variations in the
offspring. (1)
(c) Genetic variations exist in the length of styles
and anther within the population. (1)
When insects self-pollinate the flower with
similar style length, daughter plants are weak
and cannot survive. (1)
When insects cross-pollinate the flower with
contrasting style lengths, the daughter plants
are strong and have a higher chance of survival.
(1)
The proportion of flowers with contrasting style
lengths within the population increases over
many generations. (1)
13. HKDSEE Biology 2015 Paper 1 Section B Q10
14. (a) Genetic variations exist in the aggression
towards intruders in the population of robins.
(1)
Individuals with higher aggression are more
likely to protect their territories and have a
higher chance to find mates and reproduce. (1)
The trait of aggression is passed on to the
offspring. (1)
Over many generations, the proportion of
individuals with high aggression increases and
they become dominant. (1)
(b) As the mating song of the two groups of birds
become different, members of the two groups
cannot mate or breed with each other. (1)
The environmental stress acting on the two
groups may be different. By natural selection,
the favourable variations selected for in each
Over many generations, variations accumulate
in each isolated group. (1)
The two groups of birds may become very
different from each other and can no longer
interbreed to produce fertile offspring. (1)
T 11
 15. (a) Increasing genetic diversity can reduce the
likelihood of recessive alleles accumulating
17. Genetic variations are created by:
within the populations. (1)
This can increase the ability of the population
to adapt to the changing environment, (1)
and increase the chance of survival when
exposed to disease. (1)
(b) (i) Tadpoles in foothills have lower body
temperature compared with those in
lowlands. (1)
Lower body temperatures slow down the
rate of metabolic reactions / enzyme-
catalysed reactions. (1)
(ii) From day 7 to day 37, the foothill
population has greater mass than the
lowland population. (1)
The maximum mass of the foothill
population is higher than that of the
lowland population, and the maximum is
reached earlier. (1)
From day 37 to 45, the mass of the foothill
population decreases, while that of the
lowland population continues to increase in
mass. (1)
(iii) Both groups were kept in identical
environmental conditions, (1)
so genes, but not environmental factors,
must be causing the differences. (1)
(iv) The foothill population can cope with cool
temperatures. The time period available for
metamorphosis is shorter in the foothill
population. (1)
This ensures more chance of
metamorphosing before autumn or cooler
weather arrives. (1)
(c) Tadpoles from lowlands are unlikely to survive
in the foothills (1)
because of the genetic differences between the
two populations. (1)
16. HKDSEE Biology 2014 Paper 1 Section B Q6
T 12
Essay (p.31-32)
• mutation–sudden change in the genetic
materials of an organism (1)
• independent assortment of homologous
chromosomes in meiosis during gamete
formation (1)
• random fertilization of gametes (1)
Genetic variations produce a variety of phenotypes
within the population. (1)
Under environmental stress, individuals with
favourable variations have a higher chance to
survive and reproduce than others, so that the
favourable variations can be inherited to their
offspring. (1)
When sub-populations are isolated, members of
each isolated group cannot interbreed to produce
offspring. (1)
Once isolated, natural selection acts differently on
the isolated groups under different environmental
stress. (1)
Accumulation of variations over many generations
may cause the genetic makeup of the sub-
populations to differ a lot from one another. (1)
Even when members of each isolated group mate
again, they cannot interbreed to produce fertile
offspring. This means that a new species has
formed. (1)
Communication (max. 3)