Question 3
The diagrams below are illustrations of some organisms from different habitats. Study them and answer questions 3(a) to 3(e).
(a) (i) Identify organisms A, B, C, D, E and F. [6 marks]
(ii) State one habitat each of the organisms labelled A, B, C, D, E and F.
(b) (i) State one biological feature and the corresponding function in the adaptation of organisms A, B, C and E to their habitats.
Organism |
Biological feature |
Function |
A |
||
B |
||
C |
||
E |
8 Marks
(ii) State one adaptive feature each of organisms B, D and E used for escaping from predators. [3 marks]
(c) State two observable structural differences between organisms B and F. [2 marks]
(d) State two reasons why organism F might not survive in the habitat of organism B. [2 marks]
(e) Which of the illustrated organisms belong to the following Classes?
(i) Reptilia:
(ii) Mammalia:
(iii) Dicotyledoneae: [3 marks]
Observation
A few candidates performed well in this question. Majority of them did poorly and could not answer the questions as expected. Majority of them lost marks to the spelling of technical terms.
The expected answers are:(a) (i) Identification of Organisms
A:(Polar) bear
B Cactus (plant)/Opuntia
C:Zebra
D:Stick Insect
E: Chameleon
F: Water leaf plant/Talinum/plant/herb/tree
(ii) Habitats of A, B, C, D, E and F
A- Very cold/temperate regions filled with snow/arctic region/tundra/polar region
B -Desert/dry land/areas with prolonged drought
C-Grassland/Savanna(h)
D-Arid land/dry areas/thick vegetation/(rain)forestt
E-Savanna(h)/Forest/Arboreal
F-Savanna(h)/garden/farm
(b) (i) Biological features that adapt A,B,C and E to their habitat
A-Thick fur/fat under skin; for conserving heat/insulation/fur under foot sole of feet; for grip/walking on ice;
B -Spines to reduce water loss/succulent stems/branches for conserving water;
C-Stripped skin; for camouflage/to blend with the environment/muscular (hind) limbs/legs; for running;
E-Coiled tail; for holding onto branches/support long/opposable digits; for grasping; scales on body/scaly skin to reduce water loss/long tongue for catching insects/skin colour for camouflage.
(ii) Adaptive features of organisms B, D and E for escaping predators
B-Spine on the branches; distasteful sap/bitter taste
D-Appearance like a stick/mimicry/mimics a dry stick
E-Ability to change skin colour/cryptic coloration
(c) Observable structural differences between organisms B and F
(d) Reasons organism F might not survive in the habitat of B
- (the leaves of organism F have thin cuticle leading to) more loss of water/wilting/ increased rate of transpiration;
- roots of organism F (are superficial/shallow that) cannot penetrate/absorb water deep into the soil;
- organism F (has no elaborate water-storage structures; and) cannot store water for long;
- organism F thrives on moist/damp soil (and cannot survive desert/arid/dry land/areas with drought conditions).
(e) Organisms in the Classes
(i) Reptilia - E/Chameleon;
(ii) Mammalia - A/Polar bear/ C/Zebra;
(iii) Dicotyledoneae - F/Talinum/water leaf plant; B/Cactus