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Biodiversity: Edexcel A‑Level Biology B questions

Every Edexcel A-Level Biology B exam question on 3.3 Biodiversity, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,826 questions

  1. Q6(b)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 6(b): In a different survey, the student wanted to measure the biodiversity of the grassland, using a biodiversity index. Describe the data that must be collected so

  2. Q10(a)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    4 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 10(a): Some parts of the UK coastline have been designated Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ). These are part of a wider network of sites protected by law, called Marine

  3. Q5(b)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 5(b)(i): Calculate the index of biodiversity (D) for the trees shown in the table for this area of forest. Use the formula N N 1 D  n n 1 Give your answer to two decima

  4. Q5(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    1 mark3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 5(b)(ii): State why using the index of diversity is a more valid way of comparing biodiversity of areas than comparing the number of species. (1)

  5. Q5(b)(iii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    2 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 5(b)(iii): Explain why a high species diversity means that an area is more resistant to environmental changes. (2)

  6. Q9(b)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    6 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 9(b): Zoos keep many species in captivity and also engage in research, ex-situ conservation, and in-situ conservation. Scientists investigated the roles of zoos in th

  7. Q4(a)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 2

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 4(a): Calculate the index of diversity (D) for woodland A. Use the formula: N N 1 D  n n 1 where N = total number of organisms of all species and n = total number of

  8. Q4(b)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 2

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 4(b): The students then collected data from the same sized area in woodland B. The table shows the results for woodland B. Species Number of each species Woodrush 0 H

  9. Q4(c)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 4(c): Describe how the students could modify their procedure to obtain a valid comparison of the diversity of each woodland. (2)

  10. Q7(b)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    6 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    Mark scheme (PDF)
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 7(b): The scientists measured the mean genetic diversity of species in the wild and the mean genetic diversity of the same species in seed banks. The species examined

  11. Q11(b)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 11(b)(i): Calculate the biodiversity index (D) for the quadrat, using the data in the table. Use the formula N(N 1) D Σ n(n 1) (3) Answer

  12. Q11(b)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 11(b)(ii): Describe two improvements which should be made to the method to give a more accurate measure of the biodiversity index for this quadrat. (2)

  13. Q4(c)

    June 2023 · AS Paper 2

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 4(c): Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using zoos in the conservation of endangered animals. (3)

  14. Q9(b)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 mark3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 9(b)(i): State why calculating an index of diversity is a better measure of biodiversity than counting the number of different species. (1)

  15. Q9(b)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 9(b)(ii): Give two advantages of in-situ conservation of elephants compared with ex-situ conservation of elephants. (2)

  16. Q9(b)(iii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    4 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 9(b)(iii): Explain the effect of the new paper project on biodiversity compared with the protected area where local people were banned. (4)

  17. Q2(a)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 2(a): Describe two reasons why biodiversity of habitats should be maintained. (2) 1 2

  18. Q2(b)(i)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 2(b)(i): Calculate the index of diversity (D) for region B using the formula ( ) N N − 1 = D ( ) Σ − n n 1 (3) Answer

  19. Q2(b)(ii)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 2(b)(ii): Comment on the diversity of each region. (3)

  20. Q4(a)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 3

    3 marks3.3 Biodiversity
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3, question 4(a)(i): Explain the reasons why the biodiversity of this playing field was low. (3)
All 52 questions on Biodiversity, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 3, Q6(b) (2 marks): In a different survey, the student wanted to measure the biodiversity of the grassland, using a biodiversity index. Describe the data that must be collected so
  2. June 2025, Paper 3, Q10(a) (4 marks): Some parts of the UK coastline have been designated Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ). These are part of a wider network of sites protected by law, called Marine
  3. June 2024, Paper 2, Q5(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the index of biodiversity (D) for the trees shown in the table for this area of forest. Use the formula N N 1 D  n n 1 Give your answer to two decima
  4. June 2024, Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (1 mark): State why using the index of diversity is a more valid way of comparing biodiversity of areas than comparing the number of species. (1)
  5. June 2024, Paper 2, Q5(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why a high species diversity means that an area is more resistant to environmental changes. (2)
  6. June 2024, Paper 2, Q9(b) (6 marks): Zoos keep many species in captivity and also engage in research, ex-situ conservation, and in-situ conservation. Scientists investigated the roles of zoos in th
  7. June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q4(a) (3 marks): Calculate the index of diversity (D) for woodland A. Use the formula: N N 1 D  n n 1 where N = total number of organisms of all species and n = total number of
  8. June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q4(b) (3 marks): The students then collected data from the same sized area in woodland B. The table shows the results for woodland B. Species Number of each species Woodrush 0 H
  9. June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q4(c) (2 marks): Describe how the students could modify their procedure to obtain a valid comparison of the diversity of each woodland. (2)
  10. June 2023, Paper 2, Q7(b) (6 marks): The scientists measured the mean genetic diversity of species in the wild and the mean genetic diversity of the same species in seed banks. The species examined
  11. June 2023, Paper 3, Q11(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the biodiversity index (D) for the quadrat, using the data in the table. Use the formula N(N 1) D Σ n(n 1) (3) Answer
  12. June 2023, Paper 3, Q11(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe two improvements which should be made to the method to give a more accurate measure of the biodiversity index for this quadrat. (2)
  13. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q4(c) (3 marks): Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using zoos in the conservation of endangered animals. (3)
  14. June 2022, Paper 2, Q9(b)(i) (1 mark): State why calculating an index of diversity is a better measure of biodiversity than counting the number of different species. (1)
  15. June 2022, Paper 2, Q9(b)(ii) (2 marks): Give two advantages of in-situ conservation of elephants compared with ex-situ conservation of elephants. (2)
  16. June 2022, Paper 2, Q9(b)(iii) (4 marks): Explain the effect of the new paper project on biodiversity compared with the protected area where local people were banned. (4)
  17. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Describe two reasons why biodiversity of habitats should be maintained. (2) 1 2
  18. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the index of diversity (D) for region B using the formula ( ) N N − 1 = D ( ) Σ − n n 1 (3) Answer
  19. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(ii) (3 marks): Comment on the diversity of each region. (3)
  20. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(a)(i) (3 marks): Explain the reasons why the biodiversity of this playing field was low. (3)
  21. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): The photograph shows a path in a woodland nature reserve near the playing field in this village. After surveying the playing field, a survey of the woodland res
  22. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(a)(iii) (6 marks): It was suggested that the biodiversity index calculated from this survey was an underestimate. Criticise the method used in the survey of the woodland nature re
  23. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(b) (2 marks): Honeybees are important pollinators of flowers. Surveys have suggested that butterflies, ladybirds, beetles, flies and dragonflies are also important pollinator
  24. November 2021, Paper 3, Q9(b)(ii) (9 marks): Foxes and feral cats, which are predators of potoroos, were introduced into Australia by settlers. The photograph shows a feral cat with its prey. The Australia
  25. October 2020, Paper 3, Q9(a) (1 mark): Give the symbol in this formula that represents the total number of organisms of all species. (1)
  26. October 2020, Paper 3, Q9(b) (4 marks): The photograph shows a hedge. (Source: © 1000 Words/Shutterstock) Many fields in the UK are separated by hedges. Conservationists investigated biodiversity in h
  27. October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(a) (2 marks): Explain the difference between biodiversity within a habitat and biodiversity within a species. (2)
  28. October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the index of diversity (D) for this pond. Use the formula (3) − N(N 1) = D Σ − n(n 1) Answer
  29. October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): A pond in a different area had a lower index of diversity. Explain how the composition of this second community could have resulted in this lower index of diver
  30. October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(c) (6 marks): Discuss the use of in-situ and ex-situ methods in the conservation of endangered species. (6)
  31. June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the index of diversity for 1985 using the formula − D = N N ( 1 ) ∑ − n n ( 1 ) (3) Answer
  32. June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why using an index of diversity is a better measure of biodiversity than counting the number of species only. (2)
  33. June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(a)(iii) (4 marks): Comment on the effects of introducing the brown tree snake to Guam. (4)
  34. June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (4 marks): Scientists are using seed banks to conserve the biodiversity of plants. Describe how seed banks are used as a method of conservation. (4)
  35. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the rate of change in the total number of endangered species between 1985 and 2015. (2) Answer
  36. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (4 marks): Explain how the total number of endangered species and the total number of new species listed as endangered each year have both changed. (4)
  37. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q6(b) (6 marks): A student stated that ‘zoos are successful at protecting endangered species from extinction’. Evaluate the validity of this statement. (6)
  38. June 2018, Paper 2, Q7(b)(i) (1 mark): State what is meant by the term biodiversity. (1)
  39. June 2018, Paper 2, Q7(c) (4 marks): Explain the principles and issues associated with ex-situ conservation methods. (4)
  40. June 2017, Paper 3, Q9(a) (4 marks): Analyse the data to explain why seeds are stored in glass containers in the Millennium Seed Bank. (4)
  41. June 2017, Paper 3, Q9(b) (1 mark): Each time the seeds are tested for viability, 50 seeds are used. State why 50 seeds are used. (1)
  42. June 2017, Paper 3, Q9(c) (2 marks): Calculate the rate of change in viability of the seeds stored in a cellophane container for the first two years. (2) Answer
  43. June 2017, Paper 3, Q9(d)(i) (3 marks): Explain how the viability test would be different for these seeds from other parts of the world. (3)
  44. June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (4 marks): Analyse the data in the graph to explain how protection of land affects the percentage of species conserved. (4)
  45. June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (3 marks): The number of species in a forest is one factor that affects biodiversity. Some scientists use the following formula to calculate biodiversity. − N(N 1) D = Σ −
  46. June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(c) (6 marks): Some scientists state that ‘all forests should be protected from deforestation’. Evaluate this statement. (6)
  47. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): The index of diversity for the conventional farm is 1.54 Use the formula to calculate the index of diversity for the organic farm. − N(N 1) D = n(n Σ − 1) N = t
  48. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why the organic farm has a higher index of diversity than the conventional farm. (3)
  49. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(a)(iii) (4 marks): Criticise the method used by the students to obtain these results. (4)
  50. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (3 marks): Butterflies and plant species were sampled from a range of farms that had used organic farming methods for different lengths of time. The number of plant specie
  51. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Creeping thistle is considered to be a weed. Creeping thistle has a deep root system and takes many years to be completely removed by organic farming methods. T
  52. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q9(b) (2 marks): The development of palm oil plantations in Sumatra has removed areas of forest that provided the natural habitat for these tigers. Many tigers in Sumatra suffer

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