| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 20N.3.HL.TZ0.7 |
| Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | TZ0 / no time zone |
| Command term | Describe | Question number | 7 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The large tree finch (Camarhynchus psittacula) communicates through singing. The frequency (pitch) of a finch’s song was recorded. The results for a short period of the song are shown.
[Source: Reproduced / adapted with permission. Podos, J., Southall, J.A. and Rossi-Santos, M.,
2004. Vocal mechanics in Darwin’s finches: correlation of beak gape and song frequency. Journal of Experimental
Biology, 207(4), pp.607–619. Published by The Company of Biologists 2004. doi:10.1242/jeb.00770. Permission
conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. https://jeb.biologists.org/content/207/4/607.]
Outline the trend in large tree finch song frequency.
Describe the role of inheritance and learning in birdsongs.
Markscheme
a. (the pattern/unit is) a low frequency followed by higher frequency;
b. the same pattern/unit is repeated;
c. range limited to specific frequencies;
a. early birdsong pattern is genetically determined/innate;
b. later birdsong pattern is modified based on learning from adults/other birds;
OWTTE
Examiners report
Most candidates could generally outline the trend, but some had difficulty expressing it clearly and correctly.
Most candidates knew that birdsongs had an inherited and a learned component; it was more difficult for some to accurately put it into words and attribute the role of birds of the same species in the learning process.
Syllabus sections
- 17M.3.HL.TZ2.6c: Outline the structure of a reflex arc.
- 18M.3.HL.TZ2.7b: With reference to the experiments on habituation, state the effect of repeated stimulation on...
- 19M.3.HL.TZ2.5b.ii: Suggest an advantage of such behaviour.
- 18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b: Deduce, with a reason, whether the patient is left-handed or right-handed.
- 18N.3.HL.TZ0.6c.i: Define, with an example, operant conditioning.
- 19M.3.HL.TZ1.4a: Calculate the difference in the number of former users of MDMA and those who have never used...
- 19M.3.HL.TZ2.5a: Distinguish between learned behaviour and innate behaviour.
- 18N.3.HL.TZ0.6c.ii: Define, with an example, imprinting.
- 18N.3.HL.TZ0.6a: Outline how this experiment shows learned behaviour.
- 18M.3.HL.TZ2.7a: State the effector in this reflex arc.
- 19N.3.HL.TZ0.7c: Outline operant conditioning, giving an example.
- 19M.3.HL.TZ1.4c: Explain the effect MDMA has on the metabolism in the brain.
-
19M.3.HL.TZ1.8:
A dog owner wants to teach a dog to stop jumping up on people.
[Source: © Nevit Dilmen]
Explain how operant conditioning could be used to train the dog.
-
19M.3.HL.TZ2.5b.i:
Evaluate how the data supports the hypothesis that honeybees are able to learn to use cues to find the path through new mazes.
- 19M.3.HL.TZ1.4b: Outline the evidence that MDMA leads to impulsive behaviour.
- 16N.3.HL.TZ0.6b: Describe an example of learned behaviour.
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17N.3.HL.TZ0.08:
Outline innate and learned behaviour.
- 17M.3.HL.TZ1.6c: Predict whether an animal such as a laboratory rat could be encouraged to learn a new...
- 17M.3.HL.TZ1.6d: Using an example, describe how innate behaviour may increase the chances of survival of a...
