Download IBAssessments2015

Topic: Statistics
0.0.1 Distinguish between independent variable, dependent variable and controlled variables
0.0.2 Describe how treatment groups and control groups are used in scientific investigations
0.0.3 Define mean, median, mode and standard deviation.
0.0.4 Explain how standard deviation is useful for comparing two or more sets of data
0.0.5 Define direct proportionality and inverse proportionality
0.0.6 Describe when it is appropriate to use scatter plots, bar charts, histograms and line graphs
0.0.7 Outline the use of error bars in graphing data
0.0.8 Explain correlation
0.0.9 Explain why the existence of a correlation does not establish that there is a causal relationship between two variable
0.0.10 Describe how a t-test may be used to analyze a set of data
0.0.11 Describe how a Chi Square test may be used to analyze a set of data
Topic 4: Ecology
Topic 4.1: Species, communities and ecosystems
4.1.1 Define species
4.1.2 Describe the difference between heterotrophs and autotrophs
4.1.3 Classify species as autotrophs, consumers, detritivores or saprophytes (using examples)
4.1.4 Define a community and describe the interactions of a community with abiotic factors
4.1.5 Explain the process of nutrient cycling
Topic 4.2: Energy Flow
4.2.1 State that light is the essential energy source for almost all communities
4.2.2 Explain how light energy is converted to chemical energy
4.2.3 Distinguish between a food chain and a food web
4.2.4 Explain how energy released by respiration is used in living organisms and converted to heat
4.2.5 Define a trophic level
4.2.6 Construct a food web containing 10 organisms, using appropriate information
4.2.7 Explain energy losses between trophic levels and how its effects biomass as you move up the pyramid of energy
4.2.8 Draw and label a pyramid of energy
Topic 4.3: Carbon Cycling
4.3.1 Draw and label a diagram of the carbon cycle to show the processes involved
4.3.2 Describe the process of carbon fixation in autotrophs
4.3.3 Explain the process of carbon dioxide diffusion (atmosphere, water, autotrophs, respiration, and organisms)
4.3.4 Determine how methane is produced from organic matter and how it is oxidized
4.3.5 State how peat is formed
4.3.6 Explain how partially decomposed organic matter from the past is converted into oil and gas
Topic 4.4: Climate Change
4.4.1 State the two most significant greenhouse gases
4.4.2 Explain the relationship between rises in concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, methane and oxides of nitrogen
and the enhanced greenhouse effect
4.4.3 Explain the correlation between global temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations on Earth
4.4.4 Describe how global climate patterns are influenced by concentrations of greenhouse gases
4.4.5 Describe why there has been a recent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide
4.4.6 Describe the threats to coral reefs. Why is this important?
4.4.7 Evaluate the precautionary principle as a justification for strong action in response to threats posed by the enhanced
greenhouse effect
Topic 5 Evolution and Biodiversity
Topic 5.1: Evidence for evolution
5.1.1 Define evolution
5.1.2 Outline the evidence for evolution provided by the fossil record, selective breeding of domesticated animals and
homologous structures
5.1.3 Explain speciation
5.1.4 Explain how continuous variation across the geographical range leads to divergence
5.1.5 Explain the development of melanism in polluted areas
Topic 5.2: Natural Selection
5.2.1 Outline the theory of evolution by natural selection
5.2.2 Explain the sources of variation
5.2.3 Explain why populations tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support
5.2.4 Describe how the inheritance of traits leads to survival
5.2.5 Explain the evolution of antibiotic resistance
Topic 5.3 Classification of Biodiversity
5.3.1 Outline the binomial system of nomenclature
5.3.2 Explain how species are named and list the seven levels in the hierarchy of taxa
5.3.3 State the three domains
5.3.4 Explain why scientists sometimes reclassify groups of species
5.3.5 Distinguish between the following phyla of plants suing simple external recognition features: bryophyte, filicinophyta,
coniferophyta and angiospermophyta
5.3.6 Distinguish between the following phyla of animals using simple external recognition features: porifera, cnidarian,
Platyhelminthes, annelida, Mollusca and anthropoda
5.3.7 Distinguish between the following organisms using simple external recognition features: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds
and mammals
5.3.8 Apply and design a dichotomous key for a group of up to eight organisms
Topic 5.4: Cladistics
5.4.1 Define clade and cladistics
5.4.2 Explain the biochemical evidence provided by the universality of DNA and protein structures for the common ancestry of
living things
5.4.3 Describe how variations in specific molecules can indicate phylogeny
5.4.4 Discuss how biochemical variations can be used as an evolutionary clock
5.4.5 Distinguish, with examples, between analogous and homologous characteristics
5.4.6 Outline the methods used to construct a cladogram
5.4.7 Construct a simple cladogram
5.4.8 Analyze cladograms in terms of phylogenetic relationships
Topic 6 Human Physiology
6.1 Digestion and Absorption
6.1.1 State how the contraction of different muscle types of the small intestine mixes food with enzymes & moves along the gut
6.1.2 Describe the accessory organs and the enzymes they produce to digest macromolecules
6.1.3 Explain the function of villi and its importance in the digestion of monomers, vitamins and minerals
6.1.4 Determine the methods of membrane transport required to absorb different nutrients
6.1.5 Draw and annotate a diagram of the digestive tract
6.2 The Blood System
6.2.1 Explain the relationship between the structure and function or arteries, capillaries and veins
6.2.2 State the function of valves in veins
6.2.3 Describe how the circulation for the lungs is separate
6.2.4 Discuss the function of the sinoatrial node, and how it stimulates the contraction and propagation of electrical signals in
the heart
6.2.5 Identify how heart rate can be changed by the medulla oblongata, epinephrine and physical activity
6.2.6 Draw a labeled diagram of the heart
6.3 Defense against Infectious Disease
6.3.1 Outline the role of skin and mucous membranes in defense against pathogens
6.3.2 Describe the process of blood clotting and clotting factors from platelets
6.3.3 Distinguish how fibrinogen in converted to fibrin by thrombin
6.3.4 State how phagocytic white blood cells give non-specific immunity to disease
6.3.5 Explain the production of antibodies in response to pathogens and specific immunity
6.3.6 Deduce how antibiotics block processes that occur in prokaryotic but not eukaryotic cells
6.3.7 Explain why antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not viruses.
6.3.8 Outline the effects of HIV on the immune system and methods of transmission
6.4 Gas Exchange
6.4.1 State that ventilation maintains concentration gradients of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and capillaries
6.4.2 Distinguish between the structure and function of type I and type II pneumocytes
6.4.3 Draw and annotate a diagram of the ventilation system, including trachea, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli
6.4.4 Explain the mechanism of ventilation of the lungs in terms of volume and pressure changes caused by the internal and
external intercostal muscles, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles
6.4.5 Determine the causes and consequences of emphysema and lung cancer
6.5 Neurons and Synapses
6.5.1 Describe how neurons transmit electrical impulses and how myelination affects conduction
6.5.2 Explain how and action potential is generated using a sodium potassium pump, also discuss depolarization and
repolarization and threshold potential
6.5.3 Describe the function of a synapse and neurotransmitter
6.5.4 Explain how psychoactive drugs affect the brain and personality by either increasing or decreasing postsynaptic
transmissions
6.6 Hormones, Homeostasis and reproduction
6.6.1 Explain how insulin and glucagon regulate blood sugar suing alpha and beta cells
6.6.2 Describe the function and the location where each of the following hormones can be found: thyroxin, leptin and
melatonin
6.6.3 Deduce the causes and treatments of type I and type II diabetes
6.6.4 Explain how melatonin can help alleviate jet lag
Topic 7 Nucleic Acids
7.1 DNA Structure and replication
7.1.1 Describe how nucleosomes helps supercoil DNA
7.1.2 Describe the structure of DNA
7.1.3 Explain the process of DNA replication in detail
7.1.4 Analyze the work of Rosalind Franklin & Maurice Wilkins, as well as, Hershey & Chase
7.1.5 Describe the function of exons and introns
7.1.6 Describe how DNA replication is different between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
7.2 Transcription and Gene Expression
7.2.1 State that transcription is carried out in the 5’  3’ direction
7.2.2 Explain how eukaryotes modify mRNA after transcription
7.2.3 Describe how the environment of a cell can impact gene expression
7.2.4 Suggest how mRNA splicing increases the production of proteins
7.2.5 Sketch the process of transcription
7.3 Translation
7.3.1 Explain the three processes of translation including initiation, elongation and termination
7.3.2 Distinguish between free ribosomes and bound ribosomes
7.3.3 Draw and label a diagram showing the structure of a peptide bond between two amino acids
7.3.4 Identify polysomes in an electron micrograph for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
7.3.5 Determine the shape and function of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures
7.3.6 Explain the process of translation including ribosomes, polysomes, start codons and stop codons
Topic 8 Metabolism, Cell respiration and Photosynthesis
8.1 Metabolism
8.1.1 Describe how enzymes affect activation energy
8.1.2 Distinguish between competitive or non-competitive inhibitors
8.1.3 Explain the control of metabolic pathways by end- product inhibition
8.2 Cell Respiration
8.2.1 Explain the difference between oxidation and reduction and how they are involved in cell respiration
8.2.2 Describe how phosphorylation effect molecules
8.2.3 List the byproducts of glycolysis
8.2.4 Explain aerobic respiration: the link reaction, the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, the electron transport chain and
chemiosmosis
8.2.5 Draw and label a diagram showing the structure of a mitochondrion as seen in electron micrographs
8.3 Photosynthesis
8.3.1 Identify where light dependent and light dependent reactions occur, as well as the products of each
8.3.2 Draw and annotate a diagram showing the structure of a chloroplast as seen in electron micrographs
8.3.3 Compare and contrast photosystem I and photosystem II
8.3.4 Explain photophosphorylation in terms of chemiosmosis
8.3.5 State where NADP is reduced and ATP is produced
8.3.6 Deduce how RuBP is generated and its importance in photosynthesis
Topic 9 Plant Biology
9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants
9.1.1 State how transpiration is the inevitable consequence of gas exchange in the leaf.
9.1.2 Draw and annotate the transport of water from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from transpiration. Be sure to
include cohesive and adhesive properties of water.
9.1.3 Explain how minerals in the roots cause water absorption by osmosis.
9.1.4 Describe adaptations for plants living in deserts and high saline soils.
9.1.5 Compare blotting paper, porous pots and capillary tubing to the vascular tissues of plants.
9.1.6 Diagram the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscopic images.
9.1.7 Analyze the transpiration rates using photometer.
9.2 Transport in the phloem of plants
9.2.1 State that plants transport organic compounds from sources to sinks using phloem sieve tubes at the source
9.2.2 Outline how osmosis works due to the high concentration of solutes in the phloem and the uptake by osmosis
9.2.3 Compare and contrast the stem and root of xylem and phloem.
9.3 Growth in plants
9.3.1 State how undifferentiated cells in the meristems allow for indeterminate growth.
9.3.2 Outline the process of mitosis of cell division and their importance to the development of stems and leaves.
9.3.3 Explain using a named hormone how hormones control plant growth
9.3.4 Outline the different forms of tropisms and how they affect plants
9.3.5 Discuss the role of auxin in changing the gene expression in plants
9.4 Reproduction in plants
9.4.1 Explain how flowering is controlled in long-day and short-day plants
9.4.2 Distinguish between pollination, fertilization and seed dispersal.
9.4.3 Discuss mutualistic relationships with pollinators in sexual reproduction in plants
9.4.4 Draw an internal structure of a seed
9.4.5 Draw and annotate a diagram of a cross section showing the structure of a dicotyledonous animal-pollinated flower
Topic 10 Genetics and Evolution
10.1 Meiosis
10.1.1 Describe the exchange of genetic material through crossing over
10.1.2 Draw and annotate a diagram showing the chiasmata formation and crossing over
10.1.3 Outline the process of Meiosis I
10.1.4 Outline the process of Meiosis II
10.1.5 Explain independent assortment
10.2 Inheritance
10.2.1 Explain segregation
10.2.2 Define a linkage group
10.2.3 Calculate & predict the genotypic & phenotypic ratios of offspring of dihybrid crosses involving unlinked genes
10.2.4 Analyze Morgan’s discovery as an exception to Mendel’s rules
10.2.5 Distinguish between discrete and continuous variation
10.2.6 Describe how a Chi Square test is used to determine the difference between observed and expected frequencies
10.2.7 Define polygenic inheritance
10.3 Gene Pools and Speciation
10.3.1Define gene pool
10.3.2 Describe how allele frequencies change within populations
10.3.3 Distinguish between the different types of reproductive isolation: temporal, behavioral or geographic
10.3.4 Explain gradualism and punctuated equilibrium
10.3.4 Identify examples of directional, stabilizing and disruptive speciation
Topic 11 Animal Physiology
11.1 Antibody production and vaccination
11.1.1 Explain how pathogens can be species specific or how they can cross species barriers
11.1.2 Explain how b lymphocytes are active by t lymphocytes in mammals
11.1.3 Identify how plasma cells secrete antibodies and how antibodies aid the in the destruction of pathogens
11.1.4 State that histamines cause allergic symptoms
11.1.5 Explain the principle of vaccination, and then identify the first infectious disease to be eradicated by vaccines
11.1.6 Describe the production of monoclonal antibodies and their use in diagnosis and treatment
11.2 Movement
11.2.1 Annotate the diagram of the elbow
11.2.2 Draw labeled diagrams of the structures of a sarcomere including Z lines, actin and myosin filaments with heads and the
resultant light and ark bands
11.2.3 Explain how bones provide the anchor for muscles and how muscles work in antagonistic pairs
11.2.4 Describe the structure and function of a myofibril
11.2.5 Explain how skeletal muscle contracts, including the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the
formation of cross bridges, the sliding of actin and myosin filaments, and the use of ATP to break cross-bridges and reset
myosin heads.
11.3 The kidney and osmoregulation
11.3.1 Define excretion
11.3.2 Draw and label a diagram of the kidney
11.3.3 Draw and annotate the diagram of a nephron
11.3.4 Distinguish how the composition of blood differs in the renal artery and the renal vein
11.3.5 Determine the difference between osmoregulators and osmoconformers
11.3.6 Explain the roles of each part of the nephron and ADH in maintaining water balance.
11.3.7 Explain the presence of glucose, blood cells and drugs in urine.
11.4 Sexual Reproduction
11.4.1 Compare and contrast spermatogenesis and oogenesis
11.4.2 Describe how polyspermy is prevented
11.4.3 Compare and contrast internal and external fertilization
11.4.4 Explain the role of the following hormones in pregnancy: hCG, estrogen, progesterone and oxytocin
11.4.5 Draw and label a mature sperm and egg cell
11.4.6 Annotate a diagram of seminiferous tubules and the ovary to show the stages of gametogenesis
Option A: Neurobiology and behavior
A.1 Neural development.
A.1.1 State that the neural tube in an embryonic chordate is formed by ectoderm followed by elongation of the tube
A.1.2 Describe how neurons differentiate and migrate to their final location
A.1.3 Explain the function of the axon and its development
A.1.4 Explain how neurons form multiple synapses and what happens to a synapse that is not used
A.1.5 Sketch a diagram of embryonic tissues during neurulation
A.1.6 Discuss how an event like a stroke can affect the reorganization of brain function
A.2 The Human Brain
A.2.1 Draw and annotate (functions) a diagram of the brain including the following parts: medulla oblongata, cerebellum,
hypothalamus, pituitary gland and cerebral hemispheres
A.2.2 State how the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary process in the body using centers located in the brain stem
A.2.3 Describe the functions of the cerebral cortex and how folding of the cortex is important to its size
A.2.4 Explain how the cerebral hemispheres control opposite sides of the body
A.2.5 State that brain metabolism requires a large amount of energy
A.2.6 Explain how animal experiments, autopsy, lesions and fMRI can be used to identify parts of the brain and there functions
A.2.7 Discuss the concept of brain death and the use of the pupil reflex in testing for this
A.3 Perception of stimuli
A.3.1 Compare rods and cones
A.3.2 Draw and annotate a drawing of the eye including the retina
A.3.3 Distinguish between the different types of receptors. Mechanoreceptors, chemoreceptors, thermoreceptors and
photoreceptors.
A.3.4 Describe the role of bipolar and ganglion cells
A.3.5 Draw and label a diagram of the structure of the ear
A.3.6 Explain how sound is perceived in the ear
A.4 Innate and learned behavior
A.4.1 Distinguish between innate and learned behavior
A.4.2 Determine the cause of a reflex, then draw and label the parts of a reflex arc (receptor cell, sensory, relay, motor neuron
and effector) and how new associations are formed
A.4.3 Compare imprinting and operant conditioning
A.4.4 Distinguish between learning and memory
A.4.5 Determine the role of inheritance and learning in the development of birdsong
A.5 Neuropharmacology
A.5.1 State that some presynaptic neurons excite postsynaptic transmission and other inhibit postsynaptic transmission
A.5.2 Explain how memory and learning are affected by slow acting neurotransmitters
A.5.3 Explain how psychoactive drugs affect the brain and personality by either increasing or decreasing postsynaptic
transmission
A.5.4 Describe the effects of the nervous system of two named stimulants and two named sedatives
A.5.5 Discuss how anesthetics interfere with neural transmission and how they affect awareness
A.5.6 State how addiction can be affected by predisposition, social environment and dopamine secretion
A.5.7 Evaluate how MDMA impacts serotonin and dopamine metabolism in the brain
A.6 Ethology
A.6.1 State the ethology is the study of animal behavior in natural environments
A.6.2 Explain the theory of natural selection and its impact on behavior
A.6.3 Distinguish between migratory behavior and altruistic behavior using named examples
A.6.4 Describe foraging behavior in shore crabs
A.6.5 Describe courtship behavior in birds of paradise of mate selection
A.6.6 Explain synchronized oestrus in female lions as a form of innate behavior and feeding on cream from mild bottles in blue
tits as an example of the development and loss of learned behavior
Option C: Ecology and Conservation
Option C.1: Species and communities
C.1.1 Explain limiting factors affecting both plant and animal populations
C.1.2 Describe a community structure and how it may be affected by keystone species
C.1.3 Outline the use of the following types of sampling techniques: Quadrant sampling and transect sampling
C.1.4 Explain what is meant by the niche concept, including an organism’s spatial habitat, its feeding activities and its
interactions with other species
C.1.5 Outline the following interactions between species, giving two examples of each: competition, herbivory, predation,
parasitism, and mutualism
C.1.6 Analyze the difference between a fundamental and realized niche
C.1.7 Explain the principle of competitive exclusion
Option C.2: Communities and ecosystems
C.2.1 Define the following: trophic level, biomass and zone of tolerance
C.2.2 Distinguish between gross and net production
C.2.3 Construct a pyramid of energy, give appropriate information for transfer of energy between trophic levels
C.2.4 Construct a food web
C.2.5 Distinguish between primary and secondary succession, using an example of each
C.2.6 Calculate the values for gross production and net production using the equation: gross production-respiration=net
production
C.2.7 Distinguish between biome and biosphere
C.2.8 outline the characteristics of six major biomes
C.2.9 Describe a closed ecosystem
Option C.3: Impacts of Humans on Ecosystems
C.3.1 Define alien species and describe its impact on an ecosystem, using a named example
C.3.2 Define biomagnification
C.3.3 Discuss the trade -off between control of the malarial parasite and DDT pollution
C.3.4 Discuss the environmental impacts of macroplastic and microplastic debris in marine environments
Option C.4: Conservation of Biodiversity
C.4.1 Calculate Simpson diversity index for two local communities
C.4.2 Define an indicator species
C.4.3 Explain how you calculate a biotic index
C.4.4 Distinguish between in-situ and ex-situ conservation
C.4.5 Explain how biogeographic factors affect species diversity
Option C.5: Population Ecology
C.5.1 Distinguish between r-strategists and K-strategists
C.5.2 Discuss how sampling techniques are used to estimate population size
C.5.3 Describe one technique used to estimate the population size of an animal species based on a capture-mark-releaserecapture method
C.5.4 Describe the methods used to estimate the size of commercial fish stocks
C.5.5 Draw and annotate a “J” shaped and sigmoid population growth curve
C.5.6 Discuss the factors that influence population size
C.5.7 Define carrying capacity
C.5.8 Explain how a limiting factor can be both top-down and bottom-up
Option C.6: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycles
C.6.1 Draw and annotate a diagram of the nitrogen cycle
C.6.2 Define nitrogen fixation and give an example of a nitrogen fixer
C.6.3 Distinguish between nitrification and denitrification
C.6.4 Discuss the impact of waterlogging on the nitrogen cycle
C.6.5 Draw and label the phosphorus cycle
C.6.6 Explain how phosphorus can be a limiting factor in agriculture
C.6.7 Describe eutrophication