Salters Nuffield Biology A - JUNE 2024. Potential Q & A for use with Question 8 – Paper 3
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Module
A Level
Institution
A Level
In paper 3, the last question (question 8) is based on a pre-released scientific article a total of 30 marks.
In this document, you will find potential questions and answers for the Scientific Article for question 8 for Biology A (Salters Nuffield) 9BN0/03.
(The article is provided by Pearson...
9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Potential questions for Pearson Edexcel Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
for use with Question 8 – Paper 3, June 2024
In paper 3, the last question (question 8) is based on a pre-released scientific article a total of 30
marks.
In this document, you will find potential questions and answers for the Scientific Article for
question 8 for Biology A (Salters Nuffield) 9BN0/03.
(The article is provided by Pearson Edexcel Examination – June 2024)
This document consists of
o Article Summary (175 words) and a more concise version of 68 words
o Five (5) Key Takeaways for the entire article (these are the things you should know and
understand from this article before the exam).
o Vocabulary and Definitions of unknown words for each paragraph
o Key Take aways for each paragraph
o 124 potential questions each with its answer
➢ The questions are based on the scientific article
➢ 70% of them are linked to the syllabus, thus this document can be used for
revision as well
➢ Includes definitions
The article is available at the end of this booklet.
1
,9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Summary of the article (175 words):
Sloths, once maligned as slow and inferior creatures by naturalist Buffon, are now celebrated as
marvels of evolution, surviving for over 30 million years. Buffon's criticism of their supposed
deficiencies has been debunked, revealing their remarkable adaptations. Sloths, classified in the
Order Xenarthra, evolved separately into two families, Bradypodidae and Megalonychidae, around
35 million years ago. Their arboreal lifestyle, combined with their camouflaged appearance, makes
them challenging to study. Algae thrive in their fur, possibly aiding camouflage and providing
nutrients. Studies show sloths' exceptionally slow metabolism, enabling them to survive on
minimal energy, even surpassing hibernating mammals. Their leisurely digestive process, allowing
food to remain in their system for weeks, is unprecedented among plant-eating mammals. Sloths
regulate body temperature flexibly, conserving energy, and rely on sun exposure for warmth.
Despite their minimal muscle mass, sloths exhibit surprising strength and fatigue resistance,
attributed to unique muscle enzymes. They harbor diverse arthropod communities, including
symbiotic moths. Yet, mysteries remain, such as their peculiar defecation habits. Understanding
sloths illuminates the intricate interplay between diet, metabolism, and evolutionary adaptation.
2
,9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Key Take Aways (You need to know and understand the following before the exam):
1. Reversal of Perception: Sloths, once regarded as slow and unintelligent creatures, are now
recognized as marvels of evolution, showcasing unique energy-saving strategies that merit
admiration.
2. Survival through Adaptation: Sloths' remarkable adaptations have enabled them to endure
for an impressive span of 30 million years, illustrating the effectiveness of evolutionary
mechanisms in niche survival.
3. Correcting Historical Misjudgments: Historical figures like Georges Louis Leclerc, the
Comte de Buffon, derided sloths as inferior beings. However, modern understanding
reveals Buffon's criticisms as misguided, with sloths' traits being viewed now as
advantageous adaptations.
4. Challenges in Study: Studying sloths poses significant challenges due to their elusive
nature, residing high in tree canopies and blending in seamlessly with their environment,
hindering observation and research efforts.
5. Energetic Efficiency and Evolutionary Insights: Sloths' energy-saving behaviors, such as
their slow metabolism and leisurely digestion, provide valuable insights into evolutionary
adaptations driven by diet and metabolic constraints, challenging conventional
understanding of mammalian biology.
3
, 9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Questions, Answers, Vocabulary and Definitions per Paragraph:
Introduction:
Defamed: (verb) to damage the reputation, character, or good name of someone or something.
Exquisite: extremely beautiful and delicate.
Masterworks: (noun) outstanding work, typically one of the greatest works of a particular artist,
craftsman, or writer.
1. What was the previous perception of sloths, and how has it changed over time?
Sloths were once defamed as slow and stupid, but they are now recognized as masterworks
of mammalian evolution.
2. What factor has contributed to sloths' long-term survival?
Sloths' exquisite adaptations have allowed them to survive for 30 million years.
3. Define evolution. (2 Marks)
o The process by which different kinds of living organism have developed (have
o changed in behaviour, anatomy or physiology) from earlier forms over time
4. Explain how an adaptation would lead to evolution. (3 Marks)
An explanation that makes reference to the following:
o Natural selection in response to selection pressures
o Most successful survive to reproduce
o Passing on their advantageous alleles to the next generation
o Allele frequency change over many generations
5. State the three main ways that a species can be adapted. (3 Marks)
o Behavioural
o Physiological
o Anatomical
4
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