VCE Biology Question Thread

[RazzMeTazz]

I really don't understand question 5.b let alone how to answer it :/

Could someone please explain it to me?
Thanks.

The answer states: Yes. The last mitochondrial split between Cro Magnons and Neanderthals took place half a million years after that of domestic dogs. And since different breeds of domestic dogs are still genetically close enough to interbreed, but split earlier, it is possible interbreeding could have occurred between these two hominds.

[Tyleralp1]

I really don't understand question 5.b let alone how to answer it :/

Could someone please explain it to me?
Thanks.

The answer states: Yes. The last mitochondrial split between Cro Magnons and Neanderthals took place half a million years after that of domestic dogs. And since different breeds of domestic dogs are still genetically close enough to interbreed, but split earlier, it is possible interbreeding could have occurred between these two hominds.

I was a little confused at first. However, my belief is that the question draws upon the idea of time being related to changes/split in mtDNA. Therefore it is making a comparison, that if different dog species can currently interbreed, but have split further back than humans (500,000 years before), both species of human should be able to interbreed as well and produce a hybrid.

[RazzMeTazz]

I was a little confused at first. However, my belief is that the question draws upon the idea of time being related to changes/split in mtDNA. Therefore it is making a comparison, that if different dog species can currently interbreed, but have split further back than humans (500,000 years before), both species of human should be able to interbreed as well and produce a hybrid.

ohhhhh right! Thanks I understand it now!

[shivaji]

If a question asks list the products of the light independent reaction, would you include water? Some exams include water, but some do not.

thanks

[AllG_]

If a question asks list the products of the light independent reaction, would you include water? Some exams include water, but some do not.

thanks

I wouldn't - are there any questions regarding the products of light independent reactions in the past VCAA exams? If there are, you could check the examiner's report

[AllG_]

I know that larger brain = enhanced speech and communication, but could someone explain how is this a selective advantage?

[dankfrank420]

I know that larger brain = enhanced speech and communication, but could someone explain how is this a selective advantage?

Able to work in groups, increasing that individuals chance of survival. Individuals who were unable to communicate were unable to work in groups, hence having a lower chance of survival. Therefore, individuals with larger brain tend to live longer, produce more offspring; thereby increasing frequency of "larger brain" allele in next generation.

[katiesaliba]

Able to work in groups, increasing that individuals chance of survival. Individuals who were unable to communicate were unable to work in groups, hence having a lower chance of survival. Therefore, individuals with larger brain tend to live longer, produce more offspring; thereby increasing frequency of "larger brain" allele in next generation.

Also, just to add to this, a larger brain enables individuals to understand each other and make rational decisions, which, as aforementioned, increases chance of survival. This is more evident in the later hominins.

[AllG_]

Thank youuu

[shivaji]

In recombinant DNA technology, when is PCR used? Is it used after the DNA is cut out, so many copies of the gene is available, or is it used on the entire DNA itself before the gene is cut out?

[RazzMeTazz]

I think it could depend but I'm guessing they would usually use it after the DNA is cut so that unwanted sections of DNA are not amplified.

[Damo23]

Hey could someone explain to me how the answer is 1/9 for this question

Thanks 

[vox nihili]

Hey could someone explain to me how the answer is 1/9 for this question

Thanks 

Look through previous pages, was answered recently!

[Damo23]

Look through previous pages, was answered recently!

Thanks, sorry didn't know it was answered

[shivaji]

Does anyone happen to  know where to find the solutions for the sample exam? It only has multiple choice:/