NESA Biology Problem Solving

1 sample question with marking guides and sample answers · Avg. score: 74.1%

2024

QCAA

Paper 2

6 marks

The table shows data from a transect study along a sand dune.

	Zone
	A	B	C	D
Distance from sea (m)	0–100	>100–150	>150–250	>250–300
Age of dune (years)	0–50	>50–100	>100–125	>125–150
pH of soil	8.4	7.4	6.9	6.0
Organic matter in soil (%)	1	2.5	5	30
Number of grass species	2	4	6	2
Number of tree species	0	1	3	8

Q8a

2 marks

Contrast species richness in zones A and D. Refer to data in your response.

Species richness is five times higher in zone D than zone A. Zone A has two different species, whereas zone D has 10.

Marking Criteria

Descriptor	Marks
Identifies species richness is higher in zone D	1
Provides appropriate data	1

Q8b

2 marks

Infer how organic matter affects the pH of soil. Justify your response.

As organic matter increased from 1% to 30%, the pH decreased from 8.4 to 6. This suggests that organic matter lowers soil pH.

Marking Criteria

Descriptor	Marks
Infers that organic matter lowers soil pH	1
Justifies response using data	1

Q8c

2 marks

Predict which zone would have the highest proportion of K-selected species. Explain your reasoning.

Zone D. Zone D is the oldest dune and has the highest species richness. This suggests it may be further along in succession. The number of K-selected species tends to increase as succession progresses.

Marking Criteria

Descriptor	Marks
Predicts zone D	1
Provides appropriate reasoning	1

Frequently Asked Questions

How many NESA Biology questions cover Problem Solving?

AusGrader has 24 NESA Biology questions on Problem Solving, all with instant AI grading and detailed marking feedback.

Ready to practise NESA Biology?

Get instant AI feedback on past exam questions, aligned to the syllabus

Start Practising Free