DP Biology (first assessment 2025)

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Question SPM.2.SL.TZ0.a

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Date May Specimen-2023 Marks available [Maximum mark: 7] Reference code SPM.2.SL.TZ0.a
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ0
Command term Explain Question number a Adapted from N/A
a.
[Maximum mark: 7]
SPM.2.SL.TZ0.a

Explain the mechanisms involved in thermoregulation in humans.

[7]

Markscheme
  1.  normal body temperature is 37 ºC;
  2.  peripheral thermoreceptors detect environmental temperature;
  3.  supporting conscious behaviour to avoid temperature extremes, e.g. wearing more clothing;
  4.  sends messages to hypothalamus/temperature control centre of the brain;
  5.  the hypothalamus sends messages to pituitary gland;
  6.  (pituitary) releases TSH;
  7.  stimulating thyroxin release from thyroid;
  8.  thyroxin controls metabolic rate / production of heat;
  9.  muscle random contraction/shivering to generate heat;
  10.  (brown) adipose tissue burns fat to generate waste heat;
  11.  vasoconstriction to conserve heat / vasodilation to exchange heat with the environment;

Syllabus sections