plumiPopulation size and interactions: OCR A‑Level Biology A questions
OCR A-Level Biology A past-paper questions on 6.3.2.1 Population size and interactions, 2016–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.
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Q19(b)(ii)
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All 16 questions on Population size and interactions, as a list
- June 2025, Paper 2, Q19(b)(ii) (4 marks): Discuss the effect a decline in puffin population could have on other species in the area. [4]
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q20(a) (3 marks): Describe the changes in the deer population since 1993. [3]
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q20(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage increase in the wolf population between 1995 and 2003. Percentage increase = [2]
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q20(b)(ii) (2 marks): Between 2003 and 2010 there were no significant changes in the climate of this area of North America and no disease outbreaks. Suggest and explain one reason fo
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q20(c)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why the population of beavers is measured in colonies rather than individual animals. [1]
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q20(c)(ii) (4 marks): Scientists have claimed that the reintroduction of the wolves has caused the beaver population to increase. Evaluate the support given by the evidence in the gr
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q20(c)(iii) (1 mark): Beavers build dams in the water using trees they have cut down. Deer damage trees while they are feeding. Wolves often hunt deer that are feeding near water. Th
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q15 (1 mark): Competition is an important factor in determining population size. Which statement about competition is not correct? A Competition between two species can resul
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q17(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the estimated population of UK hen harriers in 2004. Estimated population = pairs [2]
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q17(b)(ii) (1 mark): Since 2004, the population of red grouse in the UK has been relatively stable and it is not thought that the population has been affected by changes in climate.
- November 2020, Paper 2, Q21(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage decrease in the population of algae between the peak population and 1 November. percentage decrease = [2]
- November 2020, Paper 2, Q21(a)(iii) (3 marks): A student concluded that the increase in population of algae was due to higher temperatures and higher light intensity in the summer months. Considering Fig. 21
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q17(a)(i) (3 marks): Before 1975 the only penguin species on the island was the adélie penguin. Chinstrap penguins were first recorded on the island in 1976. The changes in the chin
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q17(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the mean annual decrease in the adélie penguin population between 1988 and 2010. Show your working. Give your answer to three significant figures. Ans
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q17(b)(i) (3 marks): Discuss whether the information in Fig. 17 supports the scientists’ claim. You should refer to the data in Fig. 17 in your answer. [3]
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q8 (1 mark): The graph shows a typical population growth curve. Z Y population size X W V time Which row correctly describes what is happening at each of stages V to Z? V W
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