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Question 19M.3.HL.TZ2.16

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 5] Reference code 19M.3.HL.TZ2.16
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term Explain, Outline Question number 16 Adapted from N/A
16.
[Maximum mark: 5]
19M.3.HL.TZ2.16
(a)

Explain the factors that can contribute to the exponential growth phase in a sigmoid population curve.

[3]

Markscheme

a. ideal environment/unlimited resources/below carrying capacity ✔

b. little disease/few predators ✔

c. high natality/birth rate AND immigration ✔ Both needed.

d. natality and immigration greater than mortality and emigration ✔

Examiners report

The vast majority of candidates could provide part of an explanation; most mentioned resources, but for many the effect of natality, mortality, immigration and emigration (both not well distinguished for some) was obscure.

(b)

Outline the effect of carrying capacity on the growth of a population.

[2]

Markscheme

a. carrying capacity is maximum population size/number of individuals that environment can support
OR
carrying capacity varies with abundance of limiting resources ✔

b. population growth slows/fluctuates as the carrying capacity of environment reached ✔

Examiners report

Most candidates had an idea about carrying capacity, but there was only one element in the outline of many.