Date | November 2016 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 16N.3.SL.tz0.2 |
Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | time zone 0 |
Command term | Describe | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Describe two steps an athlete can take to prevent heat-related disorders in a marathon in a hot climate.
1.
2.
Describe how the body maintains core temperature when mountain walking in a cold environment.
Explain the relationship between the body surface area-to-body mass ratio and heat preservation in a mountain walker.
Markscheme
perform in the cooler part of the day to reduce solar radiation/shaded areas/coverage of skin to protect from sun eg waterproof sunscreen/hat ✔
using ice vests/cooling aids before the race to help to delay heat accumulation during warm up ✔
ensure appropriate hydration before/during/after exercise ✔
ensure appropriate consumption of electrolytes/salt to maintain muscle function
OR
increase fluid and electrolyte intake ✔
wear appropriate «breathable» fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin «allow cooling through evaporation»
OR
wear light coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption ✔
acclimatization up to 14 days prior to the event ✔
Shivering
increase in muscular activity to produce metabolic heat ✔
Peripheral vasoconstriction
constriction of blood vessels to the extremities/peripheral shell ✔
reduces loss of heat between the core and the shell of the body ✔
in extreme whole body exposure, the peripheral shell includes the limbs
OR
core temperature is maintained in the core and decline in skin and muscle temperature of the limbs ✔
Non-shivering thermogenesis
increase in metabolic process where excess calories are used to produce heat rather than stored as fat ✔
sympathetic nervous system increases the rate of «brown» fat oxidation ✔
a walker with a low surface area-to-body mass ratio helps to conserve heat and therefore less susceptible to hypothermia
OR
a walker with a large body surface area-to-body mass ratio makes it more difficult for them to maintain normal body temperature in the cold as they have a greater area for the loss of heat/energy ✔
a walker with a short, squat body shape will help retain body heat
OR
a walker with a tall, long, lean limbed body shape will lose body heat quicker ✔
heavy individuals have a small body surface area-to-body mass ratio ✔
children will tend to have a higher body surface area to mass ratio ✔
Examiners report
Candidates answered this well.
Few listed the features, but most were able to describe the features.
Most understood that a larger surface area leads to a greater loss of heat.