PMT Education

GCSE
BIOLOGY
8461/2H
Paper 2 Higher Tier

Mark scheme
Predicted Paper 2025 (Based on AQA)
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The human endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce and

1.1
release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

What are hormones?

[2 marks]
Chemical messengers - 1 mark
Produced by glands - 1 mark
Transported in the bloodstream to target organs - 1 mark

1.2 Hormones play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis.

Define the term homeostasis.

[2 marks]
Homeostasis is the regulation of internal conditions - 1 mark
Maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes - 1 mark

Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia are conditions where blood sugar

1.3
concentration may be too low or too high in an individual.

Explain how hormones would react to both conditions.

[3 marks]
Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar stimulates the pancreas to release
glucagon, which converts glycogen into glucose - 1 mark

Hyperglycaemia: High blood sugar stimulates the pancreas to release

insulin, which helps cells absorb glucose, lowering blood sugar - 1 mark

Negative feedback: These hormones work in opposite ways to maintain

stable blood glucose levels - 1 mark

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During exercise, body temperature increases.

1.4
Explain how homeostasis helps prevent the body from overheating during
exercise.
[4 marks]

Blood vessels (arterioles) near the skin dilate (vasodilation), increasing blood
flow to the skin - 1 mark

More heat is lost through radiation/convection - 1 mark

Sweating increases; the evaporation of sweat cools the body - 1 mark

Heart rate increases, moving warm blood away from muscles and toward the
surface - 1 mark

A person becomes dehydrated after spending several hours in a hot, dry

1.5
environment without drinking water.

Explain how the body responds to maintain water balance.

[4 marks]
ADH is released by the pituitary gland - 1 mark

more ADH is released - 1 mark

Increased water reabsorption: ADH makes kidney tubules more permeable to

water/ more water is reabsorbed - 1 mark

Less urine production: Less volume of (more concentrated) urine is excreted - 1

mark

Additional points to consider:

Thirst response: Hypothalamus triggers thirst to encourage drinking - 1 mark

15

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A woodland ecosystem includes oak trees, squirrels, insects, and foxes.

2.1
What is the correct food chain for this ecosystem?

Tick ( ) one box. [1 mark]

Oak tree → Insects → Squirrels → Foxes

Insects → Squirrels → Foxes → Oak tree

Foxes → Squirrels → Insects → Oak tree

2.2 Identify the producer in this food chain.

[1 mark]
Oak tree - 1 mark

In the 18th century, the binomial system for naming organisms was
2.3
introduced.

Using the binomial system, the oak tree is classified as Quercus robur.

Suggest one advantage of the binomial system for naming organisms.

Universal system understood globally, reducing confusion - 1 mark [1 mark]

2.4 State the part of the name of the oak tree that indicates the species.
[1 mark]
robur - 1 mark

2.5 State what the remaining part of the binomial group represents.
[1 mark]
The genus (Quercus) - 1 mark

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2.6 Squirrels have sharp claws and strong legs.

Describe how these adaptations help squirrels survive in the woodland.

[2 marks]
Sharp claws allow squirrels to grip onto tree bark for climbing - 1 mark
Strong legs help them jump between trees to escape predators - 1 mark

2.7 Over time, environmental changes may cause populations to evolve.

Explain how natural selection could result in a population of squirrels

developing darker fur in a woodland with dense shade.
[3 marks]
Some squirrels have genetic variation, leading to darker fur - 1 mark

Darker fur provides better camouflage in shaded woodlands, reducing

predation - 1 mark

These squirrels survive and reproduce, passing on the dark fur allele
to offspring - 1 mark

2.8 Explain the role of trees, such as oaks, in the carbon cycle.
[3 marks]

Trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere during photosynthesis - 1 mark

Carbon is stored in biomass (wood, leaves) - 1 mark

Trees release CO₂ back into the atmosphere during respiration or when
decomposed/burned - 1 mark

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2.9 Suggest two human activities that increases carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. [2 marks]

Burning fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil) releases stored carbon - 1 mark
Deforestation reduces CO₂ absorption by trees - 1 mark

Give two reasons why not all the biomass from the oak tree is transferred to
2.10
the organism at the top of the food chain.
[2 marks]

Energy lost in respiration (some biomass used for movement, heat,

metabolism) - 1 mark

Undigested material lost in waste (e.g., faeces, bones, cellulose not broken
down) - 1 mark

17

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There are two types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis.

3.1
Explain why meiosis, rather than mitosis, is necessary for sexual
reproduction. [2 marks]

Meiosis produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes

(haploid / 23 chromosomes) - 1 mark

This allows fertilisation to restore the full chromosome number

(diploid) - 1 mark

A species of flowering plant can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

3.2
Explain one advantage of each type of reproduction for the plant.
[2 marks]
Sexual reproduction advantage: Increases genetic variation, helping
species adapt - 1 mark

Asexual reproduction advantage: Produces large numbers of offspring

quickly - 1 mark

A gardener notices that some of their plants produce pink flowers, even
3.3
though the parent plants had red and white flowers.

Explain how sexual reproduction leads to this variation in flower colour.

[2 marks]

Genetic material from both parents combines during fertilisation - 1 mark

Offspring inherit different combinations of alleles, leading to new traits -

1 mark

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The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones.

3.4
Describe the role of oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle.
[3 marks]
Oestrogen causes the uterus lining to thicken - 1 mark
Oestrogen stimulates the release of LH for ovulation - 1 mark
Progesterone maintains the uterus lining for implantation - 1 mark

Which hormone triggers ovulation?

3.5 [1 mark]
Luteinising hormone (LH) - 1 mark

A couple struggling to conceive is considering IVF treatment.

3.6
Describe how IVF helps people with fertility issues to have children.

[2 marks]

Fertility drugs (allow examples) stimulate egg production in the ovaries - 1 mark
Eggs are collected, fertilised in a lab, and implanted into the uterus - 1 mark

12

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A scientist is studying brain function and asks a volunteer to complete a

4.1
reaction time test by pressing a button when they see a flash of light.

Which part of the brain is responsible for processing the visual stimulus and
initiating the response?

Tick ( ) one box.

[1 mark]

Cerebral Cortex

Cerebellum

Medulla

A scientist is studying brain injuries in patients.

4.2
Explain why damage to the medulla is more likely to be life-threatening than
damage to the cerebral cortex.
[3 marks]

The medulla controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate - 1 mark

Damage to the medulla can cause immediate death by stopping these functions
- 1 mark

The cerebral cortex controls voluntary processes, so damage affects thinking

but is not always fatal - 1 mark

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Scientists use MRI scans to investigate the brain.

4.3
Give two reasons why studying the brain is difficult.
[2 marks]

Brain complexity – Different regions control different functions - 1 mark

Damage is permanent – Studying damage risks harming the patient - 1 mark

A student accidentally touches a hot pan and quickly moves their hand
4.4
away.

Describe the sequence of events that occur in the nervous system to

produce this reflex action.
[4 marks]

Stimulus detected by receptors (e.g., heat on skin) - 1 mark

Sensory neuron carries impulse to spinal cord - 1 mark
Relay neuron transmits impulse to motor neuron - 1 mark
Motor neuron sends signal to the effector (muscle), causing withdrawal - 1 mark

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A student walks into a dark room, and after a few seconds, their pupils
4.5
dilate.

The figure below shows one of the student’s eyes as soon as they walked
into the room (A) and after a few seconds (B).

Explain how the nervous system controls the change in pupil size.

A B
[6 marks]
Level 2: The explanation identifies key steps and logically sequences the
reflex response.
4–6 marks (AO2)
Level 1: The explanation identifies some correct steps but lacks clear
sequencing or detail.
1–3 marks (AO1)
No relevant content (0 marks)
No accurate or relevant information provided.

Indicative Content:

• Detection of stimulus: Light receptors in the retina detect changes in light

intensity.
• Sensory neuron involvement: The optic nerve transmits electrical impulses
to the brain.
• Processing in the brain: The coordination centre in the brain processes the
impulse.
• Motor neuron involvement: Motor neurons send impulses to the muscles in
the iris.

Muscle response:
• Bright light: Circular muscles contract, radial muscles relax → pupil
constricts.
• Dim light: Radial muscles contract, circular muscles relax → pupil dilates.
Reflex action: The response is automatic and prevents excessive light
from damaging the retina.

Turn over for the next question. 16

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Overfishing has led to a decline in fish populations in some areas.

5.1
Describe two ways that fishing quotas help to maintain sustainable fish
stocks.
[2 marks]
Limits on catches to prevent overfishing, allowing fish populations to recover
- 1 mark
Protects breeding fish so they can reproduce and maintain population
numbers - 1 mark

Scientists are developing genetically modified (GM) crops to increase global

5.2
food supply.

How could genetic modification help farmers produce crops that grow in
harsh environments?
[1 mark]
Crops can be modified to tolerate drought, high salinity, or extreme
temperatures - 1 mark

Farmers may use cloning techniques to produce high-yield animals with

5.3
desirable traits.

Describe the process of adult cell cloning. [4 marks]

A nucleus is removed from an adult body cell - 1 mark

This nucleus is inserted into an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed - 1
mark
The egg cell is stimulated to divide by an electric shock - 1 mark
The embryo develops and is implanted into a surrogate mother - 1 mark

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A farmer is investigating the population of daisies in one of his fields.

5.4
The shape of the field is a trapezium joined to a semi-circle.

The farmer placed their quadrat measuring 50cm x 50cm multiple times,
recording the number of daisies in each quadrat.

30m

35m

40m

They found that the mean number of daisies per quadrat was 7.24.

Calculate the population of daisies in the farmer’s field.

Give you answer in standard form to 2 significant figures.

[6 marks]

a
50cm 0.5m
0.5 0.5 0.25m perquadrat
Areaofsemicircle Mr
T 2012 20011m

h Areaoftrapezium atbxh
30140 35
35135 225m
Totalarea 200 1225 853.3185 m
Totalno ofquadrats Totalarea
b Quadratarea
853.3185 7413.274 quadrats
0.25
7.24daisiesperquadrat
Totalno ofdaisies 7.24 7413.274
53672.104
54000daisiesto257
5.4 04daisies 13

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The pedigree diagram below shows the inheritance of Huntington’s disease

6.1
(HD) in a family. The disease is caused by a dominant allele (H).

hh HH

= Affected

= Unaffected

Explain how the diagram shows that Huntington’s disease is caused by a

dominant allele.
[2 marks]
Every affected individual has at least one affected parent - 1 mark
If the disorder were recessive, unaffected parents could have affected children,
which is not the case here - 1 mark

6.2 Person 7 is planning a third child with person 8.

Complete a Punnett square to show the probability that their child will inherit
Huntington’s disease.

•Use the symbols: H = Huntington’s allele, h = normal allele

•Identify the probability that their child will inherit Huntington’s Disease.
[3 marks]

Genotypes correctly identified as Hh and hh - 1 mark

Correct Punnett Square – 1 mark
50% probability of an affected child (Hh) and 50% probability of an
unaffected child (hh) - 1 mark

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Some individuals in the family may choose embryo screening to avoid

6.3
passing on Huntington’s disease.

Give one advantage and one ethical concern of embryo screening for
Huntington’s disease.
[2 marks]

Reduces the chance of passing on Huntington’s disease to future

generations - 1 mark

Some believe selecting embryos is unethical because it may lead to the

destruction of embryos carrying the disorder - 1 mark

Name four bases that can be found in DNA.

6.4 [2 marks]
A, T, G and C – 2 marks OR
Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine – 2 marks

(1 mark per two correctly-identified bases)

Below is a diagram of a nucleotide.
6.5

Identify the components of a nucleotide.

[3 marks]
Phosphate group - 1 mark
Sugar molecule (deoxyribose) - 1 mark
(Nitrogenous) base - 1 mark

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A scientist investigates the decomposition of vegetable waste in different

7.1
conditions. They measure the mass of waste lost over 4 days at three
different temperatures: 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C.

Here are their results.

Mass lost at Mass lost at Mass lost at

Time (days)
10°C (g) 20°C (g) 30°C (g)
0 0 0 0
1 2 5 9
2 4 9 15
3 6 13 21
4 8 17 27

Describe and explain how temperature affects the rate of decomposition in

this experiment.
[6 marks]

Level 2: A clear description of how temperature affects decomposition,

with a valid explanation linked to enzyme activity.
4–6 marks AO2
For this level, the answer must describe the trend in decomposition across
different temperatures and explain how enzymes control the process. The
response must also reference how extreme temperatures slow down
decomposition.
Level 1: A basic description of the trend without linking it to enzyme
activity or rate of decomposition.
1–3 marks AO1
For this level, the answer may include a description of decomposition rates
increasing with temperature but without explaining why enzymes are
responsible.
No relevant content (0 marks)

Indicative Content:
• As temperature increases, decomposition happens faster
• Microorganisms release enzymes that break down organic material
• Enzymes work faster at higher temperatures due to increased kinetic energy
• If temperature is too high, enzymes denature, stopping decomposition
• If temperature is too low, enzymes work slowly, and decomposition is reduced

For Level 2, an answer must describe the effect of temperature and explain
enzyme activity, including optimum temperature and denaturation.

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Below is a graph of the results.

7.2

Use the graph to estimate the rate of decomposition at 30°C between day 1
and day 3.

Show your working. Include appropriate units in your answer. [2 marks]

Correct calculation of rate using values from the red line on graph:

Rate = [Mass lost on day 3 (27g) - Mass lost on day 1 (10g)] ÷ (3 - 1) - 1 mark

Correct final answer (approx. 8.5g/day) - 1 mark (unit must be correct)

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A student investigates how shoots respond to gravity using plant seedlings

8.1
placed in different orientations.

Describe how auxin controls this response in the shoot. [3 marks]

Auxin moves to the lower side of the shoot due to gravity - 1 mark
Higher auxin concentration causes cells to elongate more on the lower side - 1
mark
This results in the shoot bending upwards against gravity - 1 mark

8.2 Gardeners sometimes use plant hormones to encourage the growth of

cuttings.

Name a plant hormone used for this purpose and explain how it promotes
root growth.
[2 marks]

Auxin - 1 mark
Stimulates root development, helping cuttings develop into full
plants - 1 mark

Plant hormones have a variety of uses in agriculture.

8.3
Give two different ways in which farmers use plant hormones to improve
crop production.
[2 marks]

Auxins are used as weed killers to disrupt the growth of broad-

leaved plants - 1 mark

Gibberellins are used to increase fruit size or stimulate seed

germination - 1 mark

Ethene is used to speed up fruit ripening - 1 mark

Gibberellins are used to promote flowering in some plants - 1 mark

7
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