2018 HSC Biology MC

Why do some ectotherms bask in the sun?

• To absorb vitamin D

• To increase their activity

• To decrease their metabolic rate

• To constrict blood vessels close to the skin

Which substance in the table is correctly matched to the main form in which it is carried in mammalian blood?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which defence adaptation in the table is correctly matched with one of its features?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which of the following describes the daughter cells produced as a result of mitosis?

• Two genetically different cells

• Two genetically identical cells

• Four genetically different cells

• Four genetically identical cells

Darwin and Wallace proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Punctuated equilibrium differs from this theory in that punctuated equilibrium

• occurs in relatively short bursts of rapid change.

• requires genetic variation to exist in a population.

• is driven by selection pressures in the environment.

• discounts the idea that living organisms share a common ancestor.

The work of which of the following scientists demonstrated the mutagenic nature of radiation?

• Mendel

• Sutton

• Tatum

• Watson

Students dissected a mammalian kidney and drew the following diagram.

Which row in the table shows the correct labels for X, Y and Z?

• 
• 
• 
• 

An organism suspected of causing a disease is described as being unicellular, having a cell wall and lacking a nucleus. How is this organism classified?

• A bacterium

• A fungus

• A protozoan

• A virus

Sunken stomata can be found in the leaves of some Australian plants. A section of such a leaf is shown.

How do sunken stomata assist the plant to conserve water in a dry environment?

• They trap moist air, reducing humidity.

• They prevent entry of gases into the leaf.

• They accumulate moist air, reducing transpiration.

• They increase the surface area available for transpiration.

Both artificial insemination and cloning are reproductive techniques that can decrease the genetic diversity of a population.

Which row of the table provides a correct reason for each technique’s contribution to this decrease?

• A

• B

• C

• D