DP Biology Questionbank

• Syllabus

Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Core topics)

Sub sections and their related questions

A.1 Neural development

• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.4a: (i) Determine the age when synaptic density is highest. (ii) Explain how synaptic density...
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.7d: Outline one way in which neurons can be altered by memory and learning.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.9c: Outline the process of continuous culture fermentation.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.9d: Outline one reason this process, to increase the production of succinate, represents pathway...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.4a: The diagram shows an advanced stage during neurulation in humans or chicks. Label structures I...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.4b: State the process by which neurons are initially produced in the embryo.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.4c: Outline the plasticity of the nervous system.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.5a: Outline the process taking place in the diagram.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.5b: State what occurs to structure X immediately following its formation.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.5c: Outline how spina bifida could occur during embryonic development.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.4a: State what happens to unused neurons.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.4b: Predict how mental activity might delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.4c: Autism appears early in life and affects how a person communicates and relates to others. There...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.4a: Calculate the rate of movement of the neuron cell body between 0 and 5 h. Working should be...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.4b: Suggest a reason for the migration of neurons in the embryonic nervous system.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.4c: Outline neural pruning.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.4b: Outline the development of axons in immature neurons.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.6b: List the different types of neurons involved in a reflex arc.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.4a: Label the parts I and II on the images.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.4b: Structure Y will eventually elongate to form two structures. State the names of these two...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.4c: State the condition that arises if the closure of structure X is incomplete during embryonic...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.4a.i: Label the parts I and II on the images.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.4a.ii: Structure Y will eventually elongate to form two structures. State the names of these two...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.4a.iii: State the condition that arises if the closure of structure X is incomplete during embryonic...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.07: The diagrams illustrate changes in synapse density of the cerebral cortex from newborn to...
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.07b: Outline how the human brain can reorganize itself following a stroke.

A.2 The human brain

• 15M.3.HL.TZ1.5c (i):  State the part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance, especially during athletic...
• 15M.3.HL.TZ1.5c (ii):  Outline control of heart rate by the medulla oblongata.
• 15M.3.HL.TZ2.1a: State the relationship between brain mass and maximum life span.
• 15M.3.HL.TZ2.1b: Identify the group with the widest range of brain mass.
• 15M.3.HL.TZ2.1c: Compare the brain mass and life span of primates and marsupials.
• 15M.3.HL.TZ2.1d: Discuss how a larger brain size and longer life span might have contributed to the evolution of...
• 13M.3.HL.TZ1.5b: Outline how the pupil reflex can be used to indicate brain death.
• 13M.3.HL.TZ2.5c: Identify a function of the parts of the brain by using numerals II to V to complete the...
• 13M.3.HL.TZ2.5d: Discuss how the pupil reflex can be used as a test for brain death.
• 13N.3.HL.TZ0.5a: Label the indicated areas on the images.   X:   Y:
• 13N.3.HL.TZ0.5b: State the diagnostic tool used for functional analysis in the images.
• 13N.3.SL.TZ0.13a: State the relationship between brain volume and hippocampal volume in the non-migratory sparrows.
• 13N.3.SL.TZ0.13b: Compare the hippocampal volume in migratory and non-migratory young and adult sparrows.
• 13N.3.SL.TZ0.13c.i: Analyse the data in the scattergraph to find which of the four groups of birds has the highest...
• 13N.3.SL.TZ0.13c.ii: Suggest a reason why this group needs the largest relative hippocampal volume.
• 13N.3.SL.TZ0.13d: It is possible that non-migratory species possess more advanced cognitive skills other than...
• 11M.3.HL.TZ1.5b (i): Outline the functions of the following parts of the brain. Medulla oblongata:
• 11M.3.HL.TZ1.5b (ii): Outline the functions of the following parts of the brain. Hypothalamus:
• 11M.3.HL.TZ2.5a: Identify the parts of the brain indicated on the diagram below.
• 12M.3.HL.TZ2.2a: State a function of each of the following parts of the human brain. (i)  Cerebellum   (ii) ...
• 10M.3.HL.TZ1.6: Discuss the concept of brain death and how it can be diagnosed.
• 10M.3.SL.TZ2.12b: Discuss the correlation between diet and brain size.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.5b: Outline the pupil reflex.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.5c: Discuss the use of the pupil reflex in testing for brain death.
• 12N.3.HL.TZ0.5a: Outline one function for each of the following parts of the brain.
• 09N.3.HL.TZ0.6: Discuss the concept of brain death and the use of the pupil reflex in testing for brain death.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.5a: This image shows an MRI (magnetic resonance image) human brain scan. Identify the parts labelled...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.5b: Outline the source of visual sensory input to the right cerebral hemisphere.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.6a: (i) Identify the structure labelled X. (ii) Outline the function of X in the human brain
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.6b: With reference to structures visible in the diagrams, explain how the human brain is more evolved...
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.7b: Explain how the pupil of the eye can be used to assess brain damage.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.5a: Outline the benefits of using fMRI in this experiment.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.5b: Compare and contrast the effects of THC and CBD on the areas of the brain studied.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.5c: State the function of the visual cortex.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.6a: Outline the neural control of the process of swallowing.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5a: In a study of brain organization, several factors were investigated. The relationship between the...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5b: Outline the organization of the human cerebral cortex with regard to structure and function.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5c: Outline one reason for the large energy requirement of the brain.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6a: The cortex of the brain consists of several regions. State whether this view of the brain...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6b: Outline the function of Broca’s area.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.4e: State one activity controlled by the medulla oblongata.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.5a: Outline the function of the autonomic nervous system in the human body.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.5b: Evaluate the use of the pupil reflex to test for brain damage.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.6: The graph shows the relationship between body mass and brain volume in three groups of...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.8: Explain how information from the left and right sides of the visual field is processed.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.4b: The diagrams show a rat brain and a human brain. They are not drawn to scale. Distinguish...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.8: Explain two methods that scientists have used to determine the different functions of the brain.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.05a.i: Identify the structure labelled A.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.05a.ii: List two functions of the structure labelled A.  
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.05b: Outline the reason that Broca’s area is more developed in humans than other primates.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.05c: Suggest how an injury to the brain can help in understanding brain function.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.04a.i: State which group has the lowest percentage of cerebral cortex mass.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.04a.ii: Suggest advantages of the cerebral cortex containing a high percentage of the brain’s neurons.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.04b: Suggest a role for the cerebral cortex in rodents such as rats and mice.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.04c: Explain how the cerebral cortex in humans differs from other mammals.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.07c.i: State the area of the human brain that may have been damaged when the following symptom is...
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.07c.ii: State the area of the human brain that may have been damaged when the followingsymptom is...

A.3 Perception of stimuli

• 15M.3.SL.TZ2.14a: State the type of receptors that detect smell and temperature. Smell: ...
• 15M.3.HL.TZ1.5b:  State the type of human sensory receptor that detects motion, gravity and stretch.
• 15N.3.SL.TZ0.13a: State one time in spring when 5 % of the lizards were active.
• 15N.3.SL.TZ0.13b(i): Winter and summer weather conditions differ in the Kalahari Desert. Compare the results for...
• 15N.3.SL.TZ0.13b(ii): The temperatures differ in summer and winter. Suggest one other possible reason why the lizard...
• 15N.3.SL.TZ0.13c: The body temperature of the lizard is similar to environmental temperature. State the type of...
• 15N.3.SL.TZ0.15a: Identify the type of retinal cells that function best in dim light.
• 15N.3.SL.TZ0.15c: The image shows the human ear. Outline the role of the round window in the perception of sound.
• 15N.3.HL.TZ0.6: Explain how the ear converts sound waves in the air to the nerve impulses sent to the brain.
• 13M.3.HL.TZ1.5a: Label the following diagram of the eye.
• 13M.3.HL.TZ2.5a (ii): Outline how sounds are perceived in the cochlea, including the name of the cell type involved.
• 13M.3.SL.TZ1.14 a: Label the following diagram of the eye.
• 13M.3.SL.TZ1.14 c: Outline the diversity of stimuli that can be detected by human chemoreceptors.
• 13M.3.SL.TZ2.14a: State the missing cell type in the sequence encountered as light enters the retina.
• 13N.3.SL.TZ0.14a: Using the table below, distinguish between rod cells and cone cells.
• 11M.3.HL.TZ1.6: Explain how sound is perceived by the ear.
• 11M.3.HL.TZ2.5c: Describe different aspects of the processing of visual stimuli.
• 12M.3.HL.TZ1.5c: Label the diagram of the ear.
• 12M.3.SL.TZ1.13c (i): Compare rod and cone cells.
• 12M.3.SL.TZ2.14c: Label the diagram of the ear.
• 12M.3.SL.TZ2.14d: Explain how the cochlea functions during hearing.
• 10M.3.HL.TZ1.2a: The diagram below represents the human eye. State the names of structures I, II, III and...
• 10M.3.SL.TZ1.19a (i): State the type of receptor cells that detect sound.
• 10M.3.SL.TZ1.3a (ii): State an example of these receptors in humans.
• 10M.3.SL.TZ2.14a: List two groups of sensory receptors, giving the stimulus each perceives.
• 10M.3.SL.TZ2.14b: Explain the processing of visual stimuli.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.5a (i): The diagram below shows the structure of the retina. Label I and II.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.5a (ii): Distinguish between rods and cones.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.7c: Discuss the use of A. fumigatus for the removal of cadmium ions in polluted waters.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.7d: The investigation found that both living and dead A. fumigatus cells were able to absorb cadmium...
• 11N.3.SL.TZ0.13b: Outline how stimuli can be detected by human sensory receptors.
• 11N.3.SL.TZ0.13c: Explain how sound is perceived by the ear.
• 12N.3.HL.TZ0.6: Explain how the structures of the human ear allow for sound perception.
• 12N.3.SL.TZ0.13e: Explain how sound is perceived by the ear.
• 12N.3.SL.TZ0.13f: Hearing is a result of the stimulation of mechanoreceptors. List three other main types of...
• 10N.3.SL.TZ0.15b: Outline how sound stimuli are detected in the ear.
• 10N.3.HL.TZ0.5b: List two stimuli and the receptors that detect them.
• 10N.3.HL.TZ0.5c: Outline how pain is perceived and the role of endorphins in this process.
• 09N.3.SL.TZ0.14a: Compare rods and cones.
• 09N.3.SL.TZ0.14b: Explain the role of receptors, sensory neurons and motor neurons in the response of animals to...
• 09N.3.SL.TZ0.14c: List four general kinds of sensory receptor. 1.   2.   3.   4.  
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.8: Explain how colour in the environment is detected by the eyes and relayed to the brain in humans.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.6: Explain the functioning of hair cells in the semicircular canals of the inner ear.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.8: Outline the nervous system processes involved in reading and responding to this question.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.4a: Human speech occurs at a volume of approximately 60 dB and at frequencies between 125 Hz and 4000...
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.4b: The woman suffers from otosclerosis in the right ear, a condition where the bones of the middle...
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.4c: Explain the role of the hair cells in the cochlea.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.7a: Identify the structures labelled I and II
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.7b: State the function of the bones in the middle ear.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.7c: Explain the role of the hair cells in the cochlea.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.7a: The diagram shows the anatomy of the human ear. Label the cochlea on the diagram.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.7b: Explain the structure of the semicircular canals in relation to their functions.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.7c: Explain the role of ganglion cells in the eye.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.5a: Approximately 350 000 people worldwide have received cochlear implants. Outline the use of...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.5b: State the part of the ear that is responsible for detecting movement of the head.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.5c: Describe the role of bipolar cells in the eye.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.7a: State the name of the photoreceptor shown.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.7b: Distinguish between a photoreceptor and an olfactory receptor.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.5a: Graph 1 shows the range of light wavelengths detected by the three types of cone cells in normal...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.5b: Explain how sounds of different wavelengths are distinguished by the ear.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.6d: State the type of receptor that detects odours.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.04d.i: Identify the cell labelled X.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.04d.ii: Draw an arrow to show the direction of light through the retina.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.06a.i: Using the letter M, label the structures which detect movement of the head.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.06a.ii: Using the letter A, label where sound is amplified.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.06b: Explain the function of the cochlea in hearing.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.06c: Outline how the hearing of a deaf or partially deaf person could be improved.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.05c: Describe red-green colour blindness.