Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Reproduction (HL IB Biology)

Exam Questions

4 hours68 questions
1
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1 mark

The diagram below shows the male reproductive system.QNw5zoZb_e-3

Which row correctly identifies the structures?

  I II III IV V
A. Urethra Sperm duct Testis Epididymis Seminal vesicle
B. Seminal vesicle Penis Scrotum Bladder Testis
C. Sperm duct Urethra Seminal vesicle Epididymis Testis
D. Sperm duct Urethra Testis Seminal vesicle Epididymis

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    2
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    1 mark

    During which phase of the menstrual cycle does menstruation occur (approximately)?

    • Days 1 - 7

    • Days 7 - 14

    • Days 14 - 21

    • Days 21 - 28

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    3
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    1 mark

    The peak in luteinising hormone (LH) during the menstrual cycle lead to which of the following events?

    • Stimulates the development of several immature egg cells in follicles in the ovary.

    • Stimulates the secretion of oestrogen by the follicle wall.

    • Stimulates the release of an egg into the oviduct.

    • Stimulates the endometrium to start thickening and the egg cell to mature.

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    4
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    1 mark

    Which of the following best describes the mutualistic relationship between flowers and pollinators?

    1. Flowers will benefit from the relationship by producing pollen for pollinators
    2. Pollen is transferred to the next flower that the pollinator visits
    3. Pollinators will benefit from the relationship by pollinating flowers
    4. Sexual reproduction in flowering plants can occur due to pollinators
    5. Nectar serves as a source of food for pollinators
    • I., II. and IV.

    • II., IV. and V.

    • I., III., IV. and V.

    • II., III., IV. and V.

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    5
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    1 mark

    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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      6
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      1 mark

      Which row of the table represents the correct chronological order of cells via which a man's DNA is passed onto his offspring?

      A. zygote → spermatozoa → spermatid → spermatocyte
      B. spermatozoa → spermatid → zygote → spermatocyte 
      C. spermatid → spermatocyte → spermatozoa → zygote
      D. spermatocyte → spermatid → spermatozoa → zygote

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        71 mark

        Which statement relating to gametogenesis is correct?

        • Sperm production occurs in the interstitial cells.

        • Gametogenesis in both males and females involves the process of mitosis.

        • The entire process of oogenesis occurs before birth.

        • Immature sperm cells with flagella are known as Sertoli cells.

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        81 mark

        The following statements describe events that occur after fertilisation.

        I.

        Finger-like projections grow into the uterus lining.

        II.

        The fertilised egg cell divides by mitosis.

        III.

        The zona pellucida breaks down.

        IV.

        The embryo develops into a hollow ball of cells known as a blastocyst.

        Which row in the table shows the correct sequence of events?

          First event Last event
        A. III II I IV
        B. II IV III I
        C. II III IV I
        D. III IV I II

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          91 mark

          Which of the following statements relating to the placenta are correct?

          I.

          The surface area of the placenta increases as the foetus grows.

          II.

          Maternal and fetal blood mixes in the intervillous spaces.

          III.
          The placental barrier is selectively permeable.
          • I and II only.

          • I and III only.

          • II and III only.

          • III only.

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          1
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          1 mark

          The following graph shows the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.

          LZCpjq1u_1

          Which line represents the hormone responsible for ovulation?

          • Line A.

          • Line B.

          • Line C.

          • Line D.

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          2
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          1 mark

          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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          3
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          1 mark

          The diagram shows the female reproductive system.

           SvDIlN5u_2

           

          Which row correctly identifies the structures?

            I II III IV  V
           A Oviduct Ovary Uterus Vagina Cervix
           B Ovary Oviduct Uterus Vagina Cervix
           C Oviduct Ovary Uterus Cervix Vagina
           D Oviduct Ovary Cervix Uterus Vagina

           

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            4
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            1 mark

            The following diagram shows the steps followed during in vitro fertilization.

            jd5Npnt7_3

            Which row correctly identifies the steps?

              I II III
             A  Ovulation  Fertilization  Egg washing
             B  Ovulation  HCG injection  Fertilization
             C  HCG injection    Ovulation  Fertilization
             D  HCG injection  Egg washing  Fertilization

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              5
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              1 mark

              The graph below shows a possible future consequence of climate change on plant flowering dates and the dates on which pollinators are active.

              What would the consequence of the data shown in the graph be for plants and pollinators, and why?q4_9-4_reproduction_in_plants_ib_biology_hl_mcq

               

              Consequence

              Reason

              A

              No change in plant and pollinator populations

              The same number of plants would be pollinated and pollinators would still get enough food

              B

              Decline in both plant and pollinator populations

              Fewer plants would be pollinated and less food would be available for pollinators

              C

              Decline in plant population but not in pollinator population

              Fewer plants would be pollinated but pollinators would still get enough food

              D

              Decline in pollinator population but not in plant population

              The same number of plants would be pollinated but less food would be available for pollinators

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                6
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                1 mark

                Which of the following statements about pollen transfer are correct?

                1. Self pollination occurs when pollen is transferred between separate flowers on the same plant.
                2. Pollen transfer can be carried out by small mammals.
                3. Pollen can be transferred when birds consume fleshy fruits and then carry out egestion in another location.
                • I only

                • I and II only

                • I and III only

                • I, II, and III

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                7
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                1 mark

                Which statement correctly describes the part labelled X in the image below?q6_9-4_reproduction_in_plants_ib_biology_hl_mcq

                • Diploid pollen tube

                • Haploid male nucleus

                • Diploid zygote

                • Haploid ovum

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                8
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                1 mark

                The graph below shows the percentage of successful germination of seedlings in relation to the dispersal distance from the parent tree.q7_9-4_reproduction_in_plants_ib_biology_hl_mcq

                Which of the following explains the pattern shown in the data?

                • Seeds that were dispersed closest to the tree were eaten by squirrels

                • Seeds dispersed too far away from the parent tree were too exposed to germinate successfully

                • Fewer seeds were dispersed in the area closest to the tree

                • Seeds dispersed too close to the parent tree may not germinate due to competition

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                9
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                1 mark

                The image shows an animal pollinated flowerq9_9-4_reproduction_in_plants_ib_biology_hl_mcq

                Identify the correct labels required for the image above.

                 

                I

                II

                III

                IV

                V

                A

                Stigma

                Receptacle

                Nectary

                Filament

                Anther

                B

                Style

                Receptacle

                Sepal

                Anther

                Filament

                C

                Ovary

                Stamen

                Sepal

                Anther

                Filament

                D

                Stigma

                Sepal

                Nectary

                Filament

                Anther

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                  10
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                  1 mark

                  The table below shows the effect of temperature on the germination of seeds. The seeds were first soaked in a range of temperatures before being germinated at either
                  20 °C or 35 °C.

                  Temperature at which seeds were soaked in °C

                  Percentage of seeds which germinated Percentage of seeds which germinated
                    At 20 °C At 35 °C

                  20

                  100

                  91

                  25

                  100

                  45

                  30

                  43

                  3

                  35

                  24

                  0

                  Which of the following statements explains the results?

                  1. Higher temperatures slows down or stops germination
                  2. Enzymes are denatured when seeds are grown at higher temperatures
                  3. Seeds that were soaked at 20 °C germinated more successfully than seeds soaked at 35 °C
                  4. Soaking seeds at 35 °C had a less negative impact on germination compared to germinating at 35 °C
                  • II and IV

                  • I, II and IV

                  • I, II, III and IV

                  • I and II

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                  111 mark

                  Which of the following statements about spermatogenesis are correct?

                  1. Spermatogenesis involves meiosis and mitosis.
                  2. Spermatogonia form from the germinal epithelium.
                  3. Primary spermatocytes form by differentiation from spermatids.
                  • I only  

                  • I and II only

                  • II and III only

                  • I, II, and III

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                  121 mark

                  Some of the stages of oogenesis are listed below.

                  1. The oogonia enter meiosis I.
                  2. Ovulation releases the secondary oocyte from the ovary.
                  3. Cells in the germinal epithelium divide by mitosis.
                  4. FSH stimulates a primary follicle to mature and divide.
                  5. The secondary oocyte completes meiosis II.

                  Which of the following gives the correct process of oogenesis?

                  • III → I → IV → V → II

                  • IV → III → I → V → II

                  • III → I → IV → II → V

                  • III → IV → I → II → V

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                  131 mark

                  Which of the following does not form part of the fertilisation process in humans?

                  • The cortical granules release glycoproteins to harden the zona pellucida.

                  • The cell surface membranes of the oocyte and sperm cell fuse together.

                  • The sperm cell binds to proteins on the surface of the oocyte.

                  • Digestive enzymes released from the acrosome break down the zona pellucida.

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                  141 mark

                  Which of the following gives a correct difference between a 48-hour-old embryo and a week-old blastocyst?

                   

                  Embryo

                  Blastocyst

                  A

                  Undergoes the process of mitosis

                  Begins the process of implantation

                  B

                  Contains around 50 cells

                  Contains around 100 cells

                  C

                  Located in the ovary

                  Located in the uterus

                  D

                  Moved by the action of hairs known as cilia

                  Moves due to the contraction of muscles in the uterus wall

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                    151 mark

                    Which of the following statements about human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are correct?

                    1. hCG is released by the ovaries.
                    2. hCG stimulates the corpus luteum to continue secreting oestrogen and progesterone.
                    3. Once hCG secretion stops, oestrogen and progesterone secretion also stops.
                    • I and II only

                    • II only

                    • I, II, and III

                    • II and III only

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                    161 mark

                    Which of the hormone functions shown below are correct?

                     

                    hCG

                    Progesterone

                    Oestrogen

                    Oxytocin

                    A

                    Stimulates release of hormones by the corpus luteum

                    Inhibits oxytocin production

                    Inhibits progesterone production

                    Stimulates relaxation of the cervix

                    B

                    Stimulates release of hormones by the corpus luteum

                    Stimulates oxytocin production

                    Inhibits progesterone production

                    Stimulates contractions in the muscles of the uterus wall

                    C

                    Causes loss of the uterus lining

                    Inhibits oxytocin production

                    Decreases sensitivity of uterus wall to oxytocin

                    Stimulates relaxation of the cervix

                    D

                    Inhibits loss of the uterus lining

                    Inhibits oxytocin production

                    Increases sensitivity of uterus wall to oxytocin

                    Stimulates contractions in the muscles of the uterus wall

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                      171 mark

                      Which of the following statements can be correctly applied to the placenta?

                      • Substances that move across the placenta from mother to foetus include oxygen, glucose, antibodies, carbon dioxide, and urea.

                      • The placenta is needed because the surface area to volume ratio of the foetus becomes larger as it grows.

                      • The placenta releases the hormone oxytocin in the late stages of pregnancy.

                      • The placenta enables the passage of antibodies by the process of endocytosis.

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                      181 mark

                      Which of the following cell types are haploid?

                      I.

                      Primary spermatocyte

                      II.

                      Oocyte

                      III.

                      Spermatid

                      IV.

                      Spermatozoon

                      • II, III and IV only

                      • I and II only

                      • I, III and IV only

                      • I, II, III and IV

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                      1
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                      1 mark

                      Four hormones all interact to control the menstrual cycle via both negative and positive feedback.

                      Which of the below is an example of a negative feedback mechanism that occurs during the menstrual cycle?

                      • Progesterone inhibiting oestrogen

                      • Oestrogen inhibiting luteinizing hormone

                      • Follicle stimulating hormone inhibiting oestrogen

                      • Oestrogen inhibiting follicle stimulating hormone

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                      2
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                      1 mark

                      Identify the set of images that correctly shows follicle development during the course of the menstrual cycle.

                      tpStygZz_h-4

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                        3
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                        1 mark

                        Scientists investigated the effect of temperature on the activity of pollinators. Feeders containing a sucrose solution representing nectar were kept at different temperatures. These feeders were exposed to pollinators and the number of visits each feeder received was recorded.

                        The results are shown in the graph below.9-4_q2h

                        Which of the following is a correct statement based on the results above?

                        • Pollinator visits per 15 mins increase as temperatures increase up to 25 °C and then visits decrease again.

                        • Global warming will cause a decrease in pollinator activity.

                        • At temperatures between 0 and 25 °C, there are always more pollinator visits at higher temperatures.

                        • Increased temperatures cause an increase in pollinator visits between 0 and 25 °C.

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                        4
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                        1 mark

                        An investigation was carried out into the effect of pH on the germination of seeds of a species of plant. Scientists calculated the number of germinated seeds as a percentage of the total number of seeds planted at each soil pH value. To determine the germination rate the germination percentage for each pH value was divided by the number of days over which newly germinated seeds were observed during the investigation. Note that the error bars for germination rate show standard deviation.

                        The results of the investigation is shown in the graph below.9-4_q4h

                        Which of the following provides the most accurate conclusion for this investigation.

                        • This plant species germinates more successfully in alkaline soil, with most seeds germinating at a pH value of 4.

                        • This plant species germinates more successfully in acidic soil, with most seeds germinating at a pH of 5.

                        • This plant species does not have a high rate of germination in alkaline soil, with a significant decrease in the percentage of seeds that germinated daily above a pH value of 7.

                        • This plant species showed the highest germination success in acidic soils, with most seeds germinating at a pH of 4.

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                        51 mark

                        The text below describes the first zone (i.e. the result window) of a pregnancy testing stick.

                        The mobile monoclonal antibodies that have combined with I bind to a layer of fixed antibodies. This gives a coloured line in the first window indicating that the hormone is II. This would be a III test result, indicating that the woman is IV.

                        Identify the row in the table below that correctly completes the text above.

                          I II III IV
                        A hCG present positive pregnant
                        B antigens hCG positive not pregnant
                        C hCG absent negative not pregnant
                        D latex particles present negative not pregnant

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                          61 mark

                          The image below shows a test strip used for drugs testing. Unlike the hormone in a pregnancy test, the substances tested for in this kind of drugs test are too small to bind to more than one antibody at the same time. This type of test is known as a competitive binding assay.

                          The components of the test contain the following:

                          Conjugate pad - antibodies complementary to the drug being tested for. The antibodies are attached to a coloured bead.

                          Test line - bound molecules of the drug being tested for.

                          Control line - bound antibodies complementary to the antibody from the conjugate pad.

                          11-3_q5h

                          Which of the following correctly explains the appearance of a positive result?

                          • The drug binds to antibodies on the conjugate pad, preventing them from binding to the test line.

                          • The antibodies from the conjugate pad bind to the test line, causing the beads to form a visible band.

                          • Unbound antibodies from the conjugate pad bind to antibodies on the control line, forming a visible band.

                          • The drug binds to antibodies on the conjugate pad and to antibodies on the test line.

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                          71 mark

                          The zona pellucida in mice contains three different types of glycoprotein, known as ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3. The roles of each glycoprotein type are thought to be as follows:

                          ZP1 - provides structural support to the zona pellucida.

                          ZP2 - a secondary binding protein to which sperm cells bind after the initial stages of fertilisation are complete. The enzymes contained in cortical granules are thought to break down ZP2.

                          ZP3 - a primary binding protein to which sperm bind at the beginning of the fertilisation process.

                          Which row correctly explains the mutation that is most likely to result in polyspermy?

                            Mutation in gene that codes for... Explanation
                          A. ZP1 ZP1 proteins are no longer complementary to the active sites of acrosome enzymes
                          B. ZP2 Sperm can no longer bind to ZP2 and initiate the acrosome reaction
                          C. ZP2 ZP2 proteins are no longer complementary to the active sites of cortical granule enzymes
                          D. ZP3 Sperm can no longer bind to ZP3 and initiate exocytosis

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                            81 mark

                            The diagram below shows some of the organs and hormones involved in childbirth.11-4_q3h

                            Which row in the table gives the correct labels for locations 1-4 in the diagram?

                              1 2 3 4
                            A. Stimulates Increases sensitivity to oxytocin Stimulates Inhibits
                            B. Inhibits Decreases sensitivity to oxytocin Inhibits Stimulates
                            C. Stimulates Decreases sensitivity to oxytocin Stimulates Stimulates
                            D. Inhibits Increases sensitivity to oxytocin Inhibits Stimulates

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