Monitoring and maintaining the environment: OCR GCSE Combined Science A questions

Every OCR GCSE Combined Science A exam question on B6.1 Monitoring and maintaining the environment, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 99 questions on Monitoring and maintaining the environment, as a list

June 2025, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): The diagram shows a key for identifying organisms. Identify the organism that has wings and is active at night. Has the organism got legs? Yes No Has it got win
June 2025, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q13(c) (2 marks): Human activity has led to rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming and reduces global biodiversity. Describe two ways
June 2025, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q8 (1 mark): Which statement is not true about random sampling using a quadrat? A A random-number generator can be used. B Coordinates are used to select sample areas. C It
June 2025, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): Which statement describes a source of systematic error that could take place during an investigation? A A person’s reaction speed can affect timing measurements
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): A student investigates the number of plant species growing in one area. Which piece of scientific equipment will they use? A Balance B pH probe C Pooter D Quadr
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): Gardeners are changing the way they care for their gardens. Which change would increase biodiversity? A Adding chemical fertilisers to a grass lawn B Cutting a
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the change in mass for each soil sample. Write your answers in the table. Give all answers to the same number of decimal places. [2]
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(a)(ii) (1 mark): The student uses the changes in mass to conclude that soil sample B had the highest percentage moisture content. Suggest why the student cannot make a fair comp
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(a)(iii) (2 marks): Describe two ways the student could improve their investigation to get a valid conclusion. 1 2 [2]
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a)(i) (4 marks): Complete the bar chart to show the mass of insects collected each year. Both years should be included on the same grid. Include a Key to identify which year the
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a)(ii) (2 marks): What two conclusions can be made about the mass of flying insects in 1995 compared to 2015? 1 2 [2]
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a)(iii) (1 mark): How can the scientists’ method be developed to investigate biodiversity in the forest? Tick (✓) one box. Place traps in different parts of the forest. Record th
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): The scientists used an ink that is not easily washed off to mark the insects for identification. State one other precaution that they should take when deciding
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): They complete their investigation during July 1995 and July 2015. This table shows the results of this investigation. Total number of Number of Number of insect
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(c) (2 marks): The aim of each investigation is to see if increased pollution has affected the insect population. The population of insects living on the forest ground increas
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q1 (1 mark): Gardeners are changing the way they care for their garden. Which change would increase biodiversity? A Adding chemical fertilisers to a grass lawn B Cutting a g
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(a)(i) (4 marks): Complete the bar chart to show the mass of insects collected each year. Both years should be included on the same grid. Include a Key to identify which year the
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(a)(ii) (2 marks): What two conclusions can be made about the mass of flying insects in 1995 compared to 2015? 1 2 [2]
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(a)(iii) (1 mark): How can the scientists’ method be developed to investigate biodiversity in the forest? Tick (3) one box. Place traps in different parts of the forest. Record th
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): The scientists used an ink that is not easily washed off to mark the insects for identification. State one other precaution that they should take when deciding
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (2 marks): They complete their investigation during July 1995 and July 2015. This table shows the results of this investigation. Total number of Number of Number of insect
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(c) (2 marks): The aim of each investigation is to see if increased pollution has affected the insect population. The population of insects living on the forest ground increas
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(a)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the percentage change in mass of soil sample C. Give your answer to 3 significant figures. Write your answer in the table. [3]
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(a)(ii) (1 mark): Soil sample A lost less mass than soil sample B. Why is the percentage change in mass greater for soil sample A? [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(a)(iii) (2 marks): The two students compare their results. • Student Y used a similar method but left the soil in the oven for a different length of time. • Student Y found the mo
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(a)(iv) (1 mark): What could both students do to check that the moisture content they measured is accurate? [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): Which is a positive impact of humans on the environment? A Building roads and houses on protected land. B Cutting down forests to plant crops. C Hunting endange
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the mean number of snails in the four squares listed in the table. Mean = snails [2]
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student estimates the total population by multiplying the mean by the number of squares, which is 15. The actual total population in the 15 squares is 22. S
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(a)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest one way the student could change their method to improve their estimate, without counting all of the snails. [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(b) (3 marks): The method of capture–recapture can be used to estimate the population of snails in their actual habitat. Describe how the student could use the method of captu
June 2023, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): Which would help to maintain biodiversity in the rainforest? A Building large hotels for ecotourism in the rainforest B International agreements to reduce clima
June 2023, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(a) (1 mark): Why does the student use the pieces of paper to choose the squares in the grid? [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(b)(i) (2 marks): Each square has an area of 0.25 m2. The total area of the habitat is 900 m2. Estimate the population of snails in the habitat. Estimated population = snails [2]
June 2023, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(b)(ii) (2 marks): The student thinks the estimate is much larger than they would expect. Suggest two ways the student could improve their investigation to get a more accurate est
June 2023, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(c) (4 marks): The student uses a transect to investigate the plants in the habitat. Explain how to use a transect to investigate the distribution of different plant species i
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(b) (6 marks): Many tour companies offer whale watching sight-seeing trips when visiting Monterey in California. Read the article about whale watching trips. One of the best t
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete these sentences about the method the students use to find the population of daisies. Use the words in the list. pooter quadrat random square The lawn i
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a)(ii) (3 marks): Table 16.1 shows their results. Table 16.1 Square 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total frame Number of daisies 14 3 8 10 16 15 11 10 11 12 110 counted Estimate the popula
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (4 marks): Plot a line graph of the results from Table 16.2. Draw a straight line of best fit. [4]
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (1 mark): Use the graph to determine the slope of the line. Slope = [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete these sentences about the method the students use to find the population of daisies. Use the words in the list. pooter quadrat random square The lawn i
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(a)(ii) (3 marks): Table 11.1 shows their results. Table 11.1 Square frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Number of 14 3 8 10 16 15 11 10 11 12 110 daisies counted Estimate the popula
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (4 marks): Plot a line graph of the results from Table 11.2. Draw a straight line of best fit. [4]
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (1 mark): Use the graph to determine the slope of the line. Slope = [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(a)(i) (1 mark): What is the independent variable in this investigation? Put a tick (✓) in the correct box. Amount of light sunflowers receive Height of sunflowers Number of sun
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(a)(ii) (2 marks): Write down two changes that would improve the accuracy of these acid rainwater measurements. 1 2 [2]
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(a)(iii) (1 mark): Acid rain forms due to the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides when fossil fuels are burnt. These gases react with water, oxygen and other chemicals
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(a)(iv) (1 mark): Suggest how the investigation could be developed to better represent acid rain. [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(b)(i) (1 mark): Estimate the range of acidity that by day 14 causes the sunflower plants to be reduced in height by about 50% compared to the sunflower plants in pot A. Put a t
June 2022, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe the impact of acid rain on biomass production. [2]
November 2021, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): Which statement describes a positive human interaction on an ecosystem? A Drilling for oil under the North Sea. B Growing one type of crop in a large area of la
November 2021, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): Ecotourism provides benefits for people living in the areas that tourists visit. Which statement does not benefit people living in the area? A Building environm
November 2021, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(b)(i) (1 mark): Why are sampling techniques used instead of counting the total number of individual plants in each area? [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(b)(ii) (2 marks): Two students investigate the variant plants living at altitudes of 0–250 metres. The students use random sampling as a starting point of their investigation. Th
November 2021, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why using a transect would develop and improve their investigation. [2]
November 2021, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(c)(i) (1 mark): What conclusion can be made about the effect of altitude on the distribution of cyanogenic clover? [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): Animals can indicate water pollution levels. The animals in Fig. 6.1 were sampled in various parts of a river. Mayfly larva Water louse Sludgeworm Rat-tailed ma
November 2021, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): Why are sampling techniques used instead of counting the total number of individual plants in each area? [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (2 marks): Two students investigate the variant plants living at altitudes of 0–250 metres. The students use random sampling as a starting point of their investigation. Th
November 2021, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why using a transect would develop and improve their investigation. [2]
November 2021, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(c)(i) (1 mark): What conclusion can be made about the effect of altitude on the distribution of cyanogenic clover? [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): Which abiotic factor is measured using this apparatus? pH meter A Acidity levels B Light intensity C Moisture content D Temperature Your answer [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): This capture-recapture formula is used to estimate population size: Population size = number in first sample × number in second sample number of marked individu
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q12(a) (1 mark): At the start of the investigation the scientist makes this statement. As the distance from a road increases, then the number of lichens will increase because th
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q12(b)(i) (1 mark): Write down one variable that is controlled in this investigation. [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q12(b)(ii) (1 mark): What name describes the clear plastic grid used by the scientist? Put a ring around the correct answer. Line transect Pitfall trap Pooter Quadrat [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q12(b)(iii) (1 mark): How could the scientist improve their method to reduce the level of uncertainty in the results? [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q12(c)(i) (2 marks): The other grids around the circumference for the tree at 5 metres had 3, 8, 3 and 6 dots. Find the median for lichens found at 5 metres. Include the result in F
November 2020, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q12(c)(ii) (2 marks): Fig. 12.3 is a scatter diagram of some of the scientist’s results. 40 35 30 25 Median 20 (number of lichen) 15 10 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 Distance from road (m) Fig
November 2020, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(c) (2 marks): The algae produce a toxin. High levels of toxins can kill fish in the water. Suggest why scientists are concerned about the effects of global warming on algae g
June 2019, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): A pooter is used to sample populations. Which type of animal would be sampled using a pooter? A Beetle B Bird C Fish D Mouse Your answer [1]
June 2019, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): The map shows the world tiger habitat for 1900 and 1990. Pacific Ocean Indian Ocean Key Tiger habitat in 1900 Tiger habitat in 1990 The population of tigers dec
June 2019, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q11(d) (1 mark): How could the students make sure the samples they collect are representative? [1]
June 2019, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(c)(i) (2 marks): Read this statement: Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising out of control. What evidence is there in the graph for and against this statement? for
June 2019, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(c)(ii) (2 marks): Look at the section of the graph for the last 20 000 years. What conclusions can be made about the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and also its re
June 2019, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(c)(iii) (3 marks): Describe how human activity has contributed to the trends in the graph and suggest how this activity could affect biodiversity. [3]
June 2019, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q15(d) (2 marks): The information in the box is part of a scientific journal report. Growing crops with shiny leaves could cause an annual global cooling of over 0.1 °C. This is
June 2019, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): Which is the best technique to investigate the effect of shade from a tree on the types of plants growing in a field? A Capture-recapture B Line transect C Pitf
June 2019, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(c)(i) (2 marks): Read this statement: Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising out of control. What evidence is there in the graph for and against this statement? for
June 2019, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(c)(ii) (2 marks): Look at the section of the graph for the last 20 000 years. What conclusion can be made about the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and also its rem
June 2019, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(c)(iii) (3 marks): Describe how human activity has contributed to the trends in the graph and suggest how this activity could affect biodiversity. [3]
June 2019, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(d) (2 marks): The information in the box is part of a scientific journal report. Growing crops with shiny leaves could cause an annual global cooling of over 0.1°C. This is a
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): Human waste can contain bacteria called E. coli. Human waste is found in sewage. Forest Sewage Crops heavily River flows River works A treated with toward sea s
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): Some countries plant new forests to help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Why does planting new forests help reduce greenhouse gas emissions? A Trees prod
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a) (3 marks): Describe how the scientists should collect and mark the mealybugs. Include the equipment they need to use. You may include a diagram with your answer. [3]
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b) (3 marks): Write down three precautions that should be taken when deciding how to mark the mealybugs. 1 2 3 [3]
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(c)(i) (1 mark): Estimate the population size of mealybugs on tree A. Use the formula: Number in 1st sample × Number in 2nd sample Estimated population size = Number in 2nd samp
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(c)(ii) (2 marks): When using this method to estimate population, the scientists make several assumptions. One assumption is that there was no immigration of mealybugs between day
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(d)(i) (1 mark): Tree B had an estimated population of 250 mealybugs at the end of the investigation. Tree B had a higher light intensity reading than tree A. Read this statemen
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(d)(ii) (2 marks): Errors can occur when taking light meter readings. Explain how errors occur and write down one way to take more precise readings. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q7 (1 mark): Countries can compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by planting new trees. Why does planting new trees help compensate for their greenhouse gas emission
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q8 (1 mark): Which statement is not true about line transects? A They allow study of a linear habitat like a roadside verge. B They can be used to study which species are pr
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(a) (3 marks): Describe how the scientists should collect and mark the mealybugs. Include the equipment they need to use. You may include a diagram with your answer. [3]
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(b) (3 marks): Write down three precautions that should be taken when deciding how to mark the mealybugs. 1 2 3 [3]
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(c)(i) (1 mark): Estimate the population size of mealybugs on tree A. Use the formula: Number in 1st sample × Number in 2nd sample Estimated population size = Number in 2nd samp
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(c)(ii) (2 marks): When using this method to estimate population, the scientists make several assumptions. One assumption is that there was no immigration of mealybugs between day
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(d)(i) (1 mark): Tree B had an estimated population of 250 mealybugs at the end of the investigation. Tree B had a higher light intensity reading than tree A. Read this statemen
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q11(d)(ii) (2 marks): Errors can occur when taking light meter readings. Explain how errors occur and write down one way to take more precise readings. [2]

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