AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), 2020: Question 1

12 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer

This question covers human reproduction, inheritance of sex, puberty hormones, and methods of contraception.

Practise this question

Question

The image contains six sub-questions (01.1 to 01.6) regarding human reproduction. It includes a multiple-choice section, a Punnett square to complete for sex inheritance, a matching exercise for puberty hormones, a matching exercise for contraception methods, and a final question asking for an advantage and disadvantage of oral contraceptives.
Question text

01 This question is about reproduction.

01.1 Which two statements are true for sexual reproduction in humans?

[2 marks]

Tick ( ) two boxes.

Gametes are formed.

Offspring are clones.

Offspring are genetically identical to parents.

Only one parent is involved.

Sperm and egg fuse.

01.2 Humans reproduce by sexual reproduction.

Complete Figure 1 to show the inheritance of sex.

[3 marks]

Figure 1

Mother

X X

X XX

Father

01.3 Draw a ring around the genotype of all male children in Figure 1.

[1 mark]

01.4 When children reach puberty, reproductive hormones cause changes in their bodies.

Draw one line from each hormone to the change the hormone causes at puberty.

[2 marks]

Change the hormone

Hormone

causes at puberty

Breasts develop

Oestrogen

Skin turns lighter

Voice becomes deeper

Testosterone

4 Wisdom teeth appear

A woman does not want to become pregnant.

She considers two methods of contraception.

01.5 Draw one line from each method of contraception to how the method

prevents pregnancy.

[2 marks]

Method of contraception How the method prevents

pregnancy

Embryos do not

implant in the uterus

Condom

Hormones stop

eggs maturing

Sperm are killed

Oral contraceptive

(the pill)

Sperm do not reach

5 the egg

01.6 Give one advantage and one disadvantage of taking oral contraceptives to

prevent pregnancy.

[2 marks]

Advantage

Disadvantage

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme provides the correct answers for questions 01.1 through 01.6, including the completed Punnett square, correct matching lines for hormones and contraception, and lists of acceptable advantages and disadvantages for oral contraceptives. It also includes mark scheme content for a separate question set (02.1 to 02.6) related to fossils and evolution.

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

01.1 gametes are formed 1 AO1

4.6.1.1

sperm and egg fuse 1

01.2 Y gamete for father 1 AO2

4.6.1.6

Mother

X X

all derivations correct = 2 marks 2

X XX XX 1 or 2 correct = 1 mark

Father

Y XY XY

allow correct derivations from

incorrect gamete

01.3 rings drawn around all XY allow one ring drawn around 1 AO2

both XY 4.6.1.6

ignore ring drawn around

father’s genotype

ecf any letter for Y, except X

01.4 AO2

4.5.3.3

If more than one line from a hormone no mark for that hormone

01.5 1 AO1

4.5.3.4

If more than one line from a method of contraception no mark for

that method

01.6 advantage – ignore you do not get pregnant 1 AO3

any one from: 4.5.3.4

• very reliable

• easy to take

• do not have to rely on partner

• helps to treat acne or period

pain 1

disadvantage –

any one from:

• may cause side effects allow described eg headaches,

nausea, putting on weight

• may affect her fertility later

• have to remember to take it allow you have to take it every

(every day) day

• does not protect against STIs

Total 12

How to answer it

Human Reproduction and Inheritance

What this question tests: This question assesses your understanding of sexual reproduction, genetic inheritance (Punnett squares), the role of puberty hormones, and methods of contraception.

Part (01.1): Sexual Reproduction

Correct Answers:

  • Gametes are formed.
  • Sperm and egg fuse.

💡 Key Knowledge

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation). This process introduces genetic variation, meaning offspring are not clones.

Part (01.2 & 01.3): Inheritance of Sex

💡 Key Knowledge

Human sex is determined by the 23rd pair of chromosomes. Females are XX and males are XY .

🧠 Exam Technique: Punnett Squares

To complete the grid, place the Father's Y gamete in the empty row. The resulting combinations are XY and XY .

✅ Part 01.3 Answer:

Draw a ring around both XY boxes in the bottom row of your completed grid.

Part (01.4): Puberty Hormones

✅ Correct Matches:

  • Oestrogen: Breasts develop.
  • Testosterone: Voice becomes deeper.

❌ Common Errors

Students often draw multiple lines from one hormone. The mark scheme explicitly states: If more than one line is drawn from a hormone, no mark is awarded. Be precise!

Part (01.5 & 01.6): Contraception

✅ Part 01.5 Matches:

  • Condom: Sperm do not reach the egg.
  • Oral contraceptive (the pill): Hormones stop eggs maturing.

💡 Part 01.6: Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantage: Easy to take, very reliable, or helps treat acne/period pain.

Disadvantage: Must remember to take it every day, potential side effects (headaches/nausea), or it does not protect against STIs.

🧠 Examiner Insight

For the advantage, avoid saying "you don't get pregnant"—this is the purpose of the pill, not an advantage of the method itself. Focus on the practicality or health benefits.

Topics

Biology · B5: Homeostasis and Response · B6: Inheritance, Variation and Evolution

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), 2020. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.