Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2020

Pearson Edexcel GCE In Biology A Salters Nuffiled

(9BN0) Paper 1: The Natural Environment and
Species Survival
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Autumn 2020
Publications Code 9BN0_01_2010_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2020
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same

treatment. Examiners must mark the first candidate in
exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates
must be rewarded for what they have shown they can
do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme
not according to their perception of where the grade
boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the
mark scheme should be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be
awarded. Examiners should always award full marks if
deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark
scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award
zero marks if the candidate’s response is not worthy of
credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will
provide the principles by which marks will be awarded
and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application
of the mark scheme to a candidate’s response, the team
leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the
candidate has replaced it with an alternative response.
Question Answer Mark
Number
1(a) The only correct answer is D – 80S ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum

A is incorrect because the ribosomes are not 70S

B is incorrect because the ribosomes are not 70S
C is incorrect because protein synthesis does not occur in the nucleus
(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
1(b)(i) A description that makes reference to three of the following

• the proteins are folded in the rough endoplasmic reticulum

(RER) (1)

• the proteins are {packaged into/transported in} vesicles (1)

• the protein is modified in the Golgi apparatus (1) ALLOW processed/description of

modification
• exocytosis (1) ALLOW description of exocytosis
(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
1(b)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to the following

• (if the protein is not folded correctly) the {tertiary structure / 3D

shape} would be different (1)

• therefore the active site of the enzyme would not { fit / bind with }
the substrate / it would not be able to form an enzyme substrate ALLOW not complementary
complex (1)

• therefore it would not be able to catalyse the reaction (1)

(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
2(a) • found only in one geographical location (1) ALLOW one area of the world

(1)

Question Answer Mark

Number
2(b)(i) The only correct answer is C - an increase in carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere that trap infrared
radiation

A is incorrect because carbon dioxide and methane are increasing

B is incorrect because carbon dioxide and methane are increasing and they do not trap ultraviolet radiation
D is incorrect because carbon dioxide and methane do not trap ultraviolet radiation
(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
2(b)(ii) The only correct answer is A - dendrochronology, peat bog pollen and
ice cores

B is incorrect because classification does not provide evidence

C is incorrect because niche and classification do not provide evidence
D is incorrect because niche does not provide evidence (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
2(c) An answer that makes reference to four of the following

• fewer seeds will lead to a decrease in the plant population(1)

• fewer seeds means that there is less {food / energy} (1)

• lipids and carbohydrates contain (large amounts) of stored

energy(1)
ALLOW lipids needed for insulation/less
• the monkeys will not be able to generate enough heat to respiration to generate heat
survive the cold winters (1)

• the monkey population will decrease in size (1) (4)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
3(a)

Keratin in Lysozyme Hydrochloric 3 correct answers 1 mark

the skin in mucus acid in the All correct 2 marks
stomach
Physical  x x
barrier
Chemical x  
barrier
(2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
3(b) An explanation that makes reference to the following

• flora in the gut and skin are better adapted to the conditions (1)

• therefore they can outcompete pathogenic organisms (1) ALLOW details of competition for space
or nutrients
• bacteria in the gut secrete {chemicals /lactic acid} which help to ALLOW enzymes
destroy pathogens (1)
(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
3(c) An explanation that makes reference to two of the following

• because the pH inside the stomach is too low for the enzymes of ALLOW reference to bacterial enzymes
most bacteria to function (1) being denatured

• bacteria that live in the stomach have adaptations that enable them ALLOW (some) bacteria have evolved
to survive (1) specifically to withstand the conditions

(2)
Question Answer Mark
Number
4(a) The only correct answer is A - DNA which codes for a different amino acid

B is incorrect because DNA does not code for monosaccharides

C is incorrect because the change is not in RNA

D is incorrect because the change is not in RNA and it does not code for monosaccharides
(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
4(b)
An explanation that makes reference to three of the following

• (because) { one triplet is affected / a different triplet code is

produced } (1)

• (the mutation) could change one of the amino acids (1) ALLOW produce a stop codon

• this would {change the bonds formed between the R groups / cause IGNORE reference to secondary or
a change in the tertiary structure} (1) quaternary structure

• the haemoglobin would no longer be able to bind to oxygen (1)

(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
4(c)(i) A description that makes reference to the following

• pre mRNA contains exons and introns (1) ALLOW reference to introns and exons
in the correct context i.e. exons are
coding and introns are non-coding
regions

• introns are removed and exons are spliced together (to

produce a strand of mRNA) (1) ALLOW ‘joined together’ for ‘spliced’
(2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
4(c)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to the following

• the {exons can be spliced together in a different order / different

exons can be removed } (1)

• therefore producing different sequences of amino acids (1)

(2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
5(a)(i) A description that makes reference to the following

• it fuses with the cell (surface) membrane of the sperm cell (1)

• (digestive) enzymes are released (1)

DO NOT ALLOW lysozyme
• to break down the zona pellucida (1)
(3)

Question Answer Mark

Number
5(a)(ii) The only correct answer is C- mitosis to produce diploid cells

A is incorrect because the division is not meiosis

B is incorrect because meiosis does not produce diploid cells
D is incorrect because mitosis does not produce haploid cells
(1)

Question Answer Mark

Number
5(b)(i) The only correct answer is C – R

A is not correct because P is the site of the acrosome

B is not correct because Q is the nucleus

D is not correct because S is the flagellum

(1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
5(b)(ii) Example of calculation
• correct calculation of difference (1)
37-28=9
• correct calculation of % decrease (1) (9÷37)x100=24.32
ALLOW 24 24.3

Correct answer without working gains

full marks (2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
5(b)(iii) An answer that makes reference to two of the following

• PCBs reduce (aerobic) respiration (1)

• therefore less ATP is produced (1)

• sperm need ATP to move the flagellum (1) ALLOW energy for ATP
ALLOW tail for flagellum (2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
6(a) A answer that makes reference to four of the following

IGNORE primary or secondary

• succession has occurred (1)

ALLOW either alder or spruce

• alder and spruce were the first species of tree to colonise (1)

ALLOW description of increase and

• slowest increase in abundance was spruce (1)
decrease of abundance of each species
over time

ALLOW spruce and hemlock compete

• (interspecific) competition occurs between the three species
with alder / hemlock competes with
(1)
spruce and alder

e.g. water, mineral ions, light, etc.

• example of resources competed for (1)
(4)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
6(b) An explanation that makes reference to the following

• the bare rock was colonised by pioneer species (1) ALLOW algae or lichen

• (these pioneer species) break up the rock (1)

• dead plants add {humus / organic matter} (as they decompose) (1)

• (eventually trees will be able to grow) as the soil { becomes deeper /

can retain more water } (1)
(3)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
6(c) An explanation that makes reference to the following

• (in the early stages of glacial retreat) the soil may lack ALLOW other sources of nitrogen lacking
nitrates (1)

• (however) lupin plants can use the { ammonium ions / source

of nitrogen } produced by the bacteria (1)

• (therefore can) synthesise { amino acids / chlorophyll / ALLOW produce for synthesise
nucleic acids / nitrogenous bases } (1) ALLOW protein

(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(a)(i) Correct completion of the table
All figures need to be correct

n(n-1)

56

72

6
(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
7(a)(ii) Example of calculation

• correct calculation of N(N-1) (1) N(N-1) =23 x 22 = 506

• correct calculation of D (1) Σn(n-1) = 136 506 ÷ 136

D = 3.72 ALLOW 3.7

ALLOW ecf from 7(a)(i)

Correct answer without working gains
full marks (2)
Question Answer Mark
Number
7(b)(i) The only correct answer is B the number of different species in one area

A is incorrect because species richness does not measure alleles

C is incorrect because it is not the number of individuals of one species

D is incorrect because it is not the number of individuals of one species and it is not different habitats
(1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(b)(ii) An answer that makes reference to five of the following

• random sampling in each woodland using suitable method of e.g. random number tables
generating co-ordinates (1)

• use of a quadrat to sample at least 10 times in each woodland (1)

• count the number of different species in each quadrat (1) e.g. carry out the investigation at
the same time of year / forests in
similar locations / same climate
/measure temperature/pH
• take measures to ensure validity of investigation / measure named
abiotic variables (1)

• for each woodland, calculate { the total number of species present /

number of species / given area} (1)
e.g. mean and standard deviation
for each woodland / t-test
• use a suitable statistical test to compare the data from the two
ALLOW Mann-Whitney U test
woodlands (1)
DO NOT ALLOW diversity index

(5)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(c) An answer that makes reference to four of the following points

• (difference in number of species) not due to temperature and soil

moisture content as they are the {same/similar} in the two woodlands (1)

• the light intensity is the most likely reason for the greater number of
species as it is higher in the deciduous woodland (1)

e.g. high light intensity allows a

• description of the effect of light intensity on plant growth (1)
greater rate of photosynthesis /
more photosynthesis or plants
need to be adapted to low light
• the pH of the soil in the coniferous woodland is acidic so this may also intensities
reduce the number of species found (1)

• only plant species considered and not other organisms (1)

(4)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
8(a) A description that makes reference to three of the following

• animals are selected to prevent { breeding between closely related

individuals / inbreeding depression } (1)

• a stud book is used to { select individuals for mating / keep a record ALLOW use of studbook to prevent
of all breeding events } (1) inbreeding

• exchange of { animals / gametes } between zoos (1)

(3)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
8(b)(i) Example of calculation

• correct calculation of loss of area from 2010 to 2012 (1) 1160 - 700 = 460

• correct calculation of rate with relevant units (1) (460÷2) ₓ 1000

= 230 000 Ha yr-1

ALLOW Ha per year

Correct answer without working gains

full marks
ALLOW ECF(1)
eg 1160-680=240000 Ha yr-1 (1)
1160-690=235000 Ha yr-1 (1)
1160-710=225000 Ha yr-1 (1)
1160-720=240000 Ha yr-1(1)
220 000 to 240 000 Ha yr-1 with no
working gains 1 mark (2)
Question Answer Mark
number
*8(b)(ii) Answers will be credited according to candidate’s deployment of knowledge and understanding of the material in
relation to the qualities and skills outlined in the generic mark scheme.

The indicative content below is not prescriptive and candidates are not required to include all the material which is indicated
as relevant. Additional content included in the response must be scientific and relevant.

Indicative content

Basic information

• captive breeding will increase population size

• deforestation is reducing the habitat
• captive animals will be protected from hunters

Evidence of linkages
• orangutan numbers are declining and captive breeding will increase population size
• as loss of habitat is a major reason for the decline, animals should be released into areas of forest in
protected areas
• more of the forest needs to be protected to reduce the rate at which habitat is being lost
• captive bred animals show behaviour that may make them unable to compete in the wild
• loss of habitat would lead to increased competition due to reduced food availability

Evidence of sustained scientific reasoning

• it is important to restrict passage of disease from humans to the wild population by minimising contact and
releasing animals away from wild populations
• if deforestation is not reduced – or protected areas increased – there will not be enough habitat left in which
to release captive-bred orangutans
• judgement on relative importance of captive breeding and habitat protection taking into account rate of
deforestation and loss of suitable habitat
• releasing animals if there is insufficient habitat could lead to an increased vulnerability to predation and
poaching (6)
Level 0 Marks No awardable content
Level 1 1-2 Limited scientific judgement made with a focus on mainly just one Captive breeding will increase numbers of orangutans
method, with a few strengths/weaknesses identified. Habitat loss is increasing

A conclusion may be attempted, demonstrating isolated elements of

biological knowledge and understanding but with limited evidence to
support the judgement being made.
Level 2 3-4 A scientific judgement is made through the application of relevant Discussion of benefits of both captive breeding and
evidence, with strengths and weaknesses of each method identified. habitat protection.
Separate discussions of habitat loss and captive breeding.
A conclusion is made, demonstrating linkages to elements of biological Linkages made for each aspect but not compared.
knowledge and understanding, with occasional evidence to support
the judgement being made.
Level 3 5-6 A scientific judgement is made which is supported throughout by
sustained application of relevant evidence from the analysis and Conclusion that without habitat protection, captive
interpretation of the scientific information. breeding is limited as there is less suitable habitat in
which to release the animals
A conclusion is made, demonstrating sustained linkages to biological Comparative evaluation of the benefits of habitat
knowledge and understanding with evidence to support the protection and captive breeding.
judgement being made. Reference made to the data.
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
9(a) An answer that makes reference to three of the following
Similarities

• both contain RNA (1) IGNORE retrovirus

• both have {a (protein) capsid / glycoproteins} (1) ALLOW protein coat

Differences

• Ebola contains one strand of RNA but HIV contains two strands of RNA
(1)
ALLOW HIV is icosahedral / Ebola is
• HIV is spherical, Ebola virus is elongated (1) filamentous
ALLOW HIV is round
ALLOW HIV has a lipid layer/envelope
and Ebola does not (acceptable on
basis of diagram provided)

(3)
Question Answer Mark
Number
9(b)(i) The only correct answer is A artificial active immunity

B is incorrect because the immunity is not passive

C is incorrect because the immunity is not natural

D is incorrect because the immunity is not natural or passive

(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
9(b)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to three of the following

• T helper cells bind to { protein / antigen } the APC (1)

• (therefore) leading to the production of {active T helper cells / T

memory cells} (1)

• the T helper cells activate the B cells to { divide / become } cells ALLOW B cells develop into B effector
capable of producing antibodies (1) cells or plasma cells

• The memory cells remain in the body so antibodies can be produced

quickly (on re-infection) (1)

(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
9(c)(i) A description that makes reference to three of the following

• (small groups of) healthy volunteers are given the vaccine to

test for side effects (1)

• (healthy volunteers) tested for presence of antibodies to the

virus (following vaccination) (1)

• a group of people at risk of contracting the disease is given the

vaccine (1)

• the number of people who develop the viral disease (following

vaccination) are monitored (1) (3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
9(c)(ii) An answer that makes reference to four of the following

• large numbers of people died from the disease (1) ALLOW disease is (usually) fatal

ALLOW health workers and family

• health workers are in close contact with people suffering from
most likely to be exposed to the virus
the disease (1)

ALLOW risk from the disease is much

• the side effects of the vaccine will not be worse than contracting
greater than the risk from the
Ebola(1)
vaccine

• vaccinating immediate family will help to reduce the spread of

disease(1)

• if health workers were vaccinated they could care for more

people (1) (4)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
10(a)(i) The only correct answer is C – no correlation

A is incorrect because it is not inverse

B is incorrect because it is not negative
D is incorrect because it is not positive
(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
10(a)(ii) Example of calculation

• correct calculation of ∑ (x-x� )2 (1) ∑ (x-x� )2 = 31.49

÷9 = 3.499
• value divided by n-1 (1)

Answer= (±) 1.87

• correct calculation of SD (1)
Correct answer without working
gains full marks

(3)

Question Answer Mark

Number
10(b)(i) The only correct answer is C – polynucleotides and phospholipids

A is incorrect because phosphate is not in cellulose

B is incorrect because polysaccharides do not contain phosphate
D is incorrect because phosphate is not in polysaccharides
(1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
10(b)(ii)
An explanation that makes reference to three of the following

ALLOW lignin
• the stems contain starch or cellulose (1)

ALLOW enzymes from

• enzymes are { secreted / released } by the microorganisms (1)
microorganisms digest (starch /
cellulose)
• which break down the glycosidic bonds (1)

• which releases glucose that is used by the microorganisms in

respiration (1) (3)
Question Answer
Number
*10(c) Answers will be credited according to candidate’s deployment of knowledge and understanding of the material in
expert relation to the qualities and skills outlined in the generic mark scheme.

The indicative content below is not prescriptive and candidates are not required to include all the material which is
indicated as relevant. Additional content included in the response must be scientific and relevant.

Basic information

• measure growth of plants e.g. length of leaves, mass of plants, etc.

• grow wheat seedlings with either biological farming product or chemical fertiliser, several plants in each.
• Control of one relevant abiotic variable e.g. temperature, soil and light.

Evidence of linkages

• measure growth of plants at standardised time intervals.

• measure after growing the plants for a sensible period of time- reference to rate of growth
• grow wheat seedlings from the same batch of seed.
• same mass / volume / concentration of chemical fertiliser and biological farming product
• plants grown in standardised conditions, e.g light / humidity / temperature

Evidence of sustained scientific reasoning

• compare health of plants e.g. development of disease

• calculate mean and SD to compare the results
• statistical comparison of results
• use of sterilised soil so that there are no fungi in the soil for the chemical fertiliser
• analyse the soil at the end of the experiment to determine moisture and mineral content (6)
Level Marks Additional Guidance ?
0 0 No awardable content
1 1-2 An explanation of how the investigation should be modified may be Use of chemical fertiliser and biological farming product
attempted but with limited analysis, interpretation and/or A number of seedlings used
evaluation of the scientific information. Generalised comments
made.
Growth of plants measured
The explanation will contain basic information with some attempt Control of one abiotic variable
made to link knowledge and understanding to the given context.
2 3-4 An explanation of how the investigation should be modified will be Description of how growth will be measured eg height of
given with occasional evidence of analysis, interpretation and/or plant, number of leaves
evaluation of the scientific information. Measured at regular intervals/after a specific time interval
Wheat seedlings from the same batch of seeds
The explanation shows some linkages and lines of scientific Explanation of control of abiotic variables
reasoning with some structure. Same volume/concentration of chemical fertiliser and
biological farming product
3 5-6 An explanation of how the investigation should be modified is given Named statistical analysis of results
which is supported throughout by evidence from the analysis,
interpretation and/or evaluation of the scientific information.

The explanation shows a well-developed and sustained line of Consideration of health of plants/soil analysis
scientific reasoning which is clear, coherent and logically structured.
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