Biology Practice Exam Discussion

[Biology24123]

Well, i know for the fact that 2012 was the easiest one.

A+ cutoff for exam 1 was 64/75
A+ cutoff for exam 2 was 65/75

This is the highest i've seen so far.

Last years cut off was 87%

[BakedDwarf]

Last years cut off was 87%

oh... well, i haven't done that one yet

[Sine]

For example if the A+ cut-off was roughly 60-62 what scores would be needed out of 75 to get a 45 given good sac ranking?

[Biology24123]

For example if the A+ cut-off was roughly 60-62 what scores would be needed out of 75 to get a 45 given good sac ranking?

Around 66/75 probably

[Sine]

Around 66/75 probably

That's pretty nice to know, although I know if I remove my stupid errors(how do you get rid of them?) I'd be getting +(1-3) marks each exam and at the top end that's a few study scores.

[Biology24123]

That's pretty nice to know, although I know if I remove my stupid errors(how do you get rid of them?) I'd be getting +(1-3) marks each exam and at the top end that's a few study scores.

Yeah If you are rank then 66-67/75 would get you around a 45

[Biology24123]

So how many exams has everyone done and how many more are you planning to do

[Sine]

Okay a few more clarifications on exam answers. XD
This time VCAA 2011 Unit 4

Q3(b)(ii)Explain why this procedure must occur(alluding to the removal of the nucleus from an egg in cloning(enucleation)) 2 marks

My Answer: If it didn't occur the egg would contain 3n amount of DNA which makes it polyploidy thereby very unlikely to survive. The removal of the nucleus makes the egg diploid when the donor nucleus is added thus thought to be fertilised.

VCAA answers: Ensure: the DNA of the egg/donor female is removed AND only the desired DNA/correct number of chromosomes in clone.

 Q6(c)(I):Explain why low genetic diversity in a population threatens the survival of the population 2 marks

My Answer: If a population has low genetic diversity it has a greater chance of extinction if subjected to a change of selection pressures or change in environment.

VCAA answers:Both of: an environmental condition, such as disease AND members are more susceptible or at risk of extinction.

Q7(c)(ii): Outline two types of evidence other than DNA analysis, that can be used to determine the relatedness and age of early hominins. 2 marks

My Answer:( for the first mark I correctly stated amino acid sequences for common proteins) My second point--->Similarities in morphological structures

VCAA answer:Comparisons of; fossils, tools, amino acids, (dating methods)--->Stratigraphy and radioisotopic dating.

Thanks XD

Overall was a very simple exam, explains the A+ cut-off of 64.5

[henmatt]

i was just wondering, which of the company exams are most similar to VCAA exams in terms of bio??

[Biology24123]

i was just wondering, which of the company exams are most similar to VCAA exams in terms of bio??

Maybe STAV

[Biology24123]

What SS is everyone aiming for

[vox nihili]

Okay a few more clarifications on exam answers. XD
This time VCAA 2011 Unit 4

Q3(b)(ii)Explain why this procedure must occur(alluding to the removal of the nucleus from an egg in cloning(enucleation)) 2 marks

My Answer: If it didn't occur the egg would contain 3n amount of DNA which makes it polyploidy thereby very unlikely to survive. The removal of the nucleus makes the egg diploid when the donor nucleus is added thus thought to be fertilised.

VCAA answers: Ensure: the DNA of the egg/donor female is removed AND only the desired DNA/correct number of chromosomes in clone.

 Q6(c)(I):Explain why low genetic diversity in a population threatens the survival of the population 2 marks

My Answer: If a population has low genetic diversity it has a greater chance of extinction if subjected to a change of selection pressures or change in environment.

VCAA answers:Both of: an environmental condition, such as disease AND members are more susceptible or at risk of extinction.

Q7(c)(ii): Outline two types of evidence other than DNA analysis, that can be used to determine the relatedness and age of early hominins. 2 marks

My Answer:( for the first mark I correctly stated amino acid sequences for common proteins) My second point--->Similarities in morphological structures

VCAA answer:Comparisons of; fossils, tools, amino acids, (dating methods)--->Stratigraphy and radioisotopic dating.

Thanks XD

Overall was a very simple exam, explains the A+ cut-off of 64.5

A very simple exam indeed.

3bii: though what you say is correct, I doubt you'd pick up two marks. Maybe one if they were being nice. Their answer is what they were looking for.

6ci: full marks, really good answer

7cii: expression not great on the second point, but you'd get the marks potentially. You really should have said HOW they would compare the morphologies of related species.

[THEBEAST]

Do we need to remember our VCAA number to write on the exam or are we given it?

[grindr]

Do we need to remember our VCAA number to write on the exam or are we given it?

May depend on your school, because my school is giving us numbers

[grindr]

Have you guys done the Neap 2015 exam?

Did you guys find that the questions were a bit more difficult/more confusing than usual?