Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Practice Paper 1A (HL IB Biology)

Practice Paper Questions

1
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Which of the following are not examples of hydrogen bonding?

  • Base-pairing between two strands of DNA.

  • The forces that hold water molecules together.

  • The bond that joins one nucleotide to its neighbour in a strand of DNA.

  • Interactions between water and the polar R groups of certain amino acids. 

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2
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Hershey and Chase carried out an experiment to determine whether the molecule of heredity was protein or DNA; their results after centrifugation are shown below.

Note the following:

  • Extracellular material is found in the supernatant.
  • The y-axis shows the percentage of each radioactive element present in the supernatant; the remainder of each element ends up in the pellet.7-1_q5h

Which of the following can be concluded from the results shown?

  • No viral protein enters the infected bacterial cells.

  • DNA has a greater mass than protein.

  • Around 80 % of the viral DNA enters the infected bacterial cells.

  • Most proteins are separated from the bacterial cells by the blending process.

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3
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Which of the following is a challenge of explaining the spontaneous origin of cells?

  • There are so many different theories of how the first cells originated that it is impossible to make sense of all the conflicting information. 

  • It is impossible to know the conditions on early Earth and so it is impossible to replicate any of those conditions experimentally. 

  • The current scientific equipment that exists is not able to withstand the temperature and pressure conditions of early Earth and so the correct conditions cannot be replicated experimentally. 

  • Early cells did not fossilise well, making it difficult to know their exact nature or confirm hypotheses about their formation.

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4
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A stage micrometer with small divisions of 0.1 mm was used to calibrate an eyepiece graticule, as shown in the diagram below.

h-q1

 A slide containing a plant cell was placed on the stage in place of the stage micrometer. 

What is the width of one of the chloroplasts below?

plant-cell-with-graticule

  • 100 µm

  • 50 µm

  • 10 µm

  • 0.5 mm

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5
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The electron micrograph below shows a small section of a palisade mesophyll cell.

q1-1-2-cells-origin-medium-ib-hl-biology

Which structure controls the exchange of substances into and out of the cell?

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    6
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    In the lysogenic pathway, what causes the period of lysogeny?

    • The viral DNA produces proteins that suppress the immune response, resulting in persistent virion production.

    • A repressor protein coded by the viral DNA prevents transcription and translation.

    • The host cell lacks the necessary enzymes for viral replication, forcing the virus to remain dormant until external factors activate its DNA.

    • Viral nucleic acid disrupts host cell reproduction, preventing cell division until lytic triggers occur.

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    7
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    Dichotomous keys can be used to identify species from their observable features.

    To which order of insects does the insect below belong? Note that the insect is shown at rest and not in flight.

    YSWNzDHi_2

    1

    Hard wing cases are present. . . . . . . . . .

    Hard wing cases are not present. . . . . . . . . .

    Coleoptera

    Go to 2
    2

    Wings are not membranous (not thin and translucent). . . . .

    Wings are membranous (thin and translucent). . . . .

    Go to 3

    Go to 4 
    3

    Wings are leathery. . . . . .

    Wings are scaly. . . . . .

    Orthoptera

    Lepidoptera 
    4

    Only one pair of wings used to fly (the second pair is very small). . 

    Two equal-sized pairs of wings are used to fly. . . . . .

    Diptera 

    Go to 5
    5

    Wings held out at right-angle to body when resting. . . . .

    Wings are folded over the body when resting. . . . .

    Odonata

    Hemiptera 

    • Lepidoptera

    • Odonata

    • Coleoptera

    • Hemiptera

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    8
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    Cytochrome C is a protein which is common to all organisms and is therefore a useful gene sequence to study when constructing phylogenetic trees to represent evolutionary relationships.

    The table shows the number of nucleotide differences in the cytochrome C genes of several different species.

    nucleotide-base-comparisons-mcq

    Which of the following shows the correct order of the organisms if arranged from the most closely related to the least closely related compared to humans?

      1. Human
      2. Chicken
      3. Fruit fly
      4. Yeast
      5. Mouse
      6. Rat
      1. Human
      2. Rat
      3. Mouse
      4. Fruit fly
      5. Yeast
      6. Chicken
      1. Human
      2. Mouse
      3. Rat
      4. Chicken
      5. Fruit fly
      6. Yeast
      1. Human
      2. Yeast
      3. Fruit fly
      4. Chicken
      5. Rat
      6. Mouse

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    9
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    The image below shows a series of fossils.

    jXrCMNq3_1

    How does this set of fossils provide evidence for evolution?

    • They show the complete transition between fish and four-legged land animals.

    • They show that species change to become better adapted to their environment.

    • They strengthen the evidence for species change over time provided by the rest of the fossil record.

    • They show that limbs are always advantageous over fins.

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    10
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    Which statement(s) about biodiversity is/are correct?

    I.
    Biodiversity is a measure of the number of species present.
    II.
    Biodiversity can be assessed at the ecosystem level.
    III.
    Genetic diversity considers the number of genes that a species has.
    • I only

    • I and II only

    • II and III only

    • I, II and III

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    11
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    Which of the following most accurately describes the formation of a lipid?

    • An ester bond forms between the -COOH group of three fatty acids and an -OH group on one glycerol molecule, along with the release of three molecules of water

    • An ester bond forms between the -COOH group of three fatty acids and a -CH group on one glycerol molecule, along with the release of three molecules of water

    • An ester bond forms between the -COOH group of three fatty acids and an -OH group on one glycerol molecule, along with the absorption of three molecules of water

    • An ester bond forms between the -COOH group of three fatty acids and a -CH group on one glycerol molecule, along with the absorption of three molecules of water

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    12
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    All life (except for a few primitive, prokaryotic species) use the same 20 amino acids joined into polypeptides.

    Which of the four statements above is not a possible hypothesis for why all life uses the same 20 amino acids?

    • Only the 20 amino acids existed when life began, so all life now uses them.

    • All organisms share a common ancestor, so the link between the genetic code and amino acids sequences is already fixed. 

    • Polypeptide chains join together to increase the range of possible functions that they can carry out

    • 20 amino acids is more than enough to give a huge, almost infinite range of characteristics for all life. 

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    13
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    Proteins in the cell surface membranes of mouse cells and human cells were labelled with different coloured dyes.

    When a cell from each species was fused together, the different-coloured labels were first found in different regions of the hybrid cell’s cell surface membrane. After 40 minutes, the labels were evenly distributed around the entire cell surface membrane. This is shown in the diagram below.

    1-3-h-q2-paper-1 

    Which of the following correctly explains this observation?

    • Groups of protein and phospholipid molecules in the cell surface membrane are attached to each other and move together

    • Only the protein molecules in the outer layer of the cell surface membrane can move freely between phospholipid molecules

    • All protein molecules in the cell surface membrane are fixed to structures within the cell, but phospholipid molecules move freely between them

    • Protein molecules in the outer layer of the cell surface membrane, and those which span the bilayer, can move freely between phospholipid molecules

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    14
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    The chloroplast is adapted for photosynthesis. 

    Which of the following is not an adaptation of the chloroplast for photosynthesis?

    • A large surface area of thylakoid membranes with photosystems.

    • A large volume of fluid inside thylakoids.

    • Compartmentalisation of enzymes and substrates of the Calvin cycle in the stroma.

    • Chloroplast DNA that contains genes which code for some of the proteins and enzymes used in photosynthesis.

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    15
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    Which property of stem cells makes them suitable for use in medicine?

    • They can differentiate into specialised cells

    • They can produce chemicals that destroy viruses

    • They can form gametes when they divide by mitosis

    • They have chromosomes that are suitable for gene transfer

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    16
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    Identify the set of conditions under which transpiration would occur at the slowest rate.

     

    Humidity

    Temperature

    Air movement

    Light intensity

    A

    Low

    Low

    High

    High

    B

    High

    Low

    Low

    Low

    C

    Low

    High

    Low

    Low

    D

    High

    Low

    High

    High

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      17
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      Which of the following best describes the factor that determines the direction of mass flow of phloem sap between leaves and fruit?

      • The active loading of sucrose into phloem sieve tubes near the fruit will create a hydrostatic pressure gradient that will facilitate mass flow between the leaves and fruit.

      • The movement of water molecules in the phloem sieve tubes from the leaves to the fruit will contribute to the hydrostatic pressure gradient between them.

      • The movement of organic compounds into the phloem sieve tubes near leaves will increase the hydrostatic pressure in the sieve tubes and create a pressure gradient between leaves and fruit.

      • The unloading of organic compounds from the phloem sieve tubes at the fruit will increase the osmolarity of the sieve tubes and create a hydrostatic pressure gradient between the leaves and fruit.

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      18
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      Identify which answer gives the correct labels when describing how the skeleton can act as a lever.

      q1_11-2_movement_ib_biology_hl_mcq

        X Y Z
      A Fulcrum Effort Load
      B Effort Load Fulcrum
      C Fulcrum Load Effort
      D Load Fulcrum Effort

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        19
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        Which of the statements about biomes is correct?

        • Biome distribution is affected primarily by biotic factors.

        • For any given temperature and rainfall pattern there are a range of ecosystem types that can develop.

        • A tropical rainforest biome will have high annual rainfall and low levels of biodiversity.

        • Average temperatures and rainfall patterns are significant factors in determining the development of a biome.

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        20
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        Which of the following are adaptations that aid herbivory?

        I.
        The presence of an enzyme that breaks down cellulose.
        II.
        Production of toxic secondary compounds.
        III.
        Proteins that bind to toxins.
        • I only

        • I and II only

        • I and III only

        • II and III only

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        21
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        The following graph shows the change in energy that occurs during an enzyme catalysed reaction.

        2-4hardq1

        Which of the following would be the most accurate description of this graph?

        • This is an anabolic reaction that releases energy. Large, complex molecules are broken down into smaller, simpler ones during hydrolysis reactions.

        • This is a catabolic reaction that releases energy. Large, complex molecules are broken down into smaller, simpler ones during hydrolysis reactions.

        • This is an anabolic reaction that requires an input of energy. Large, complex molecules are formed from smaller, simpler ones during condensation reactions.

        • This is an catabolic reaction that requires an input of energy. Large, complex molecules are formed from smaller, simpler ones during condensation reactions.

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        22
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        From each molecule of substance X (in the diagram), how many molecules of ATP can be produced?8-2_q3h

        • 17

        • 34

        • 36

        • 18

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        23
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        The effect of different colours of light on the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) seedlings was studied. Three different colours of light were tested and measurements of seedling height, shoot length, and biomass were taken.

        Colour of light Wavelength of light (nm) Height of seedlings (cm) Shoot length (cm) Total biomass (g)
        Blue 450 3.5 2.8 2.4
        Orange 600 2.3 2.0 2.8
        Red 630 7.4 6.1 3.7

        What conclusions can be drawn from the data?

        • White light gives the optimal conditions for photosynthesis.

        • There is a linear relationship between wavelength of light and plant growth.

        • Red light enhances plant growth.

        • There is no correlation between total biomass and plant height.

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        24
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        Which of the following correctly describes the order of events after acetylcholine successfully binds to a receptor on the postsynaptic membrane?

        • Calcium ion channels open and calcium moves across the postsynaptic membrane triggering an action potential.

        • Positively charged ions diffuse through ion channels across the membrane causing a change in voltage across the plasma membrane.

        • An action potential is triggered when a threshold level of acetylcholine receptors are occupied.

        • Sodium ions are actively pumped across the membrane to initiate an action potential in the postsynaptic neurone.

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        25
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        The oscilloscope trace shown below was taken using a digital oscilloscope. It shows an action potential in a hippocampal pyramidal neurone of a potoroo (a small marsupial species) that occurred when the neurone was stimulated with a current pulse.Nl4mPzfI_h-3

        How many action potentials could be stimulated in this neurone every second?

        • 6

        • 60

        • 12

        • 7

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        26
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        Which line of the table represents a neurone at its resting potential?

          Concentration of ions inside neurone Cell surface membrane permeability to Na⁺ Level of activity of Na⁺/K⁺ pump
        Sodium (Na⁺) Potassium (K⁺)
        A high low high active
        B high low low inactive
        C low high high inactive
        D low high low active

         

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          27
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          When a phagocyte responds to the presence of a pathogen, the following events happen:

          1. Enzymatic digestion
          2. Exocytosis
          3. Phagocytosis
          4. Vacuole formation
          5. Endocytosis

          Which of the following would be the correct order of events?

            Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
          A V I IV III
          B V IV I II
          C III II V I
          D III V I IV

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            28
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            Identify which of the combinations of blood types are compatible for a blood transfusion from donor to recipient.

             

            Donor

            Recipient

            A

            A

            B

            B

            AB

            B

            C

            O

            AB

            D

            A

            O

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              29
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              Sampling allows population size to be estimated; this can result in sampling errors. 

              What is a sampling error?

              • The difference between an estimated population size and a true population size.

              • The process of counting small samples of a population that will represent a whole population.

              • When some members of a population are more likely to be counted than others.

              • When positions of the sampling points are not selected at random.

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              30
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              Identify the main energy transfers carried out by the organisms in the food web below:

              q1a1-

                Grass Rabbit
              A light → chemical chemical → light
              B chemical → light kinetic →  heat
              C light → heat chemical → thermal
              D light → chemical chemical → kinetic

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                31
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                During the process of semi-conservative replication of DNA, which activity, relating to bonding, does not take place?.

                • Breaking of hydrogen bonds.

                • DNA polymerase forms an enzyme-substrate complex with free nucleotides. 

                • Formation of new covalent bonds between nucleotides.

                • Formation of new glycosidic bonds between deoxyribose molecules. 

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                32
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                Which row of the table best describes the events of polypeptide synthesis?

                  Type of reaction ATP requirement Location in cell
                A anabolic condensation ATP not required mitochondria
                B anabolic hydrolysis ATP not required cytoplasm
                C anabolic condensation ATP required cytoplasm
                D catabolic condensation ATP required mitochondria

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                  33
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                  Tumours are formed due to uncontrolled cell division.

                  Which statement describes the difference between a normal cell and a tumour cell?

                  • Only tumour cells contain mutations

                  • Tumour cells do not undergo cytokinesis

                  • Tumour cells have a shorter interphase

                  • Tumour cells do not have metaphase

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                  34
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                  Consider the following pair of chromosomes at the start of meiosis.

                  10-1_q1h 

                  Which table gives the distribution of alleles in the gametes that would be most realistic, in percentage terms?

                  • Genotype KL Kl kL kl
                    % distribution 25 25 25 25
                  • Genotype KL Kl kL kl
                    % distribution 50 0 0 50
                  • Genotype KL Kl kL kl
                    % distribution 45 5 5 45
                  • Genotype KL Kl kL kl
                    % distribution 10 40 40 10

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                  35
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                  The diagram below shows a nucleosome where the histone tails have had a methyl group added.

                  ib-methylation-of-histones

                  Which statement best describes the effect of methylation of histone tails?

                  • Adding a methyl group causes the DNA to be less tightly wrapped

                  • Adding a methyl group deactivates the gene

                  • Adding a methyl group causes the DNA to be more tightly wrapped

                  • Adding a methyl group helps maintain a positive charge

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                  36
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                  Which of the following correctly identifies the function of each flower part?

                    Anther Ovary Sepal Stigma
                  A. Pollen is found here Receives pollen from another flower Protects the flower bud during development Contains the female gametes
                  B. Pollen is found here Contains the female gametes Brightly coloured to attract pollinators Receives pollen from another flower
                  C. Pollen is found here Contains the female gametes Protects the flower bud during development Receives pollen from another flower
                  D. Contains the female gametes Receives pollen from another flower Brightly coloured to attract pollinators Pollen is found here

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                    37
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                    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition which may affect certain women during their childbearing years. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition is a failure to ovulate and irregular menstrual cycles. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

                    What would be the most appropriate explanation for this?

                    The endometrium will:

                    • Build up due to the lack of ovulation.

                    • Be shed too often.

                    • Build up due to the lack of menstruation.

                    • Be shed during ovulation.

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                    38
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                    In humans, there are three alleles that determine blood groups, namely i, IA and IB. The frequency of the i allele in a particular population was found to be 0.72. There was an equal abundance of the remaining two alleles.

                    What would the frequency of the IB allele be in this population?

                    • 0.44

                    • 0.28

                    • 0.14

                    • 0.07

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                    39
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                    Which of the following is not a reason why organisms need to maintain a safe balance of water and solutes in their cells?

                    • Cell damage might occur due to osmosis.

                    • Cells with a higher osmolarity than their surroundings will lose water and shrink.

                    • Cells with a higher osmolarity than their surroundings will gain water and could burst.

                    • Cells with a lower osmolarity than their surroundings will lose water and shrink.

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                    40
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                    Research was carried out on beak size in the island-living finch species Geospiza fortis. G. fortis feeds on seeds, which are plentiful, small, and soft in the years when the weather is normal, but which become larger and tougher in drought years. Some of the research results are shown in the graph below.

                    dOlrvi6g_3

                    Which of the following statements explains the results in the graph?

                    • Finches adapt to drought years by developing larger beaks, passing on the characteristic to their offspring, and leading to an increase in average beak size.

                    • Average finch beak size increases during years of drought and decreases during wet years.

                    • Average beak size increased from 9.5 mm in 1976 to 9.9 mm in 1977, before slowly decreasing to 9.7 mm by 1979.

                    • Finches with larger beaks have an advantage when competing for food in drought years, and are therefore more likely to survive and pass on their alleles, leading to an increase in average beak size.

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