PDF
Mark Scheme (Results)
Summer 2025
Pearson Edexcel A Level GCE
In Biology A Salters - Nuffield (9BN0)
Paper 03: General and Practical Applications in
Biology
,Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding
body. We provide a wide range of qualifications including academic, vocational,
occupational and specific programmes for employers. For further information visit
our qualifications websites at www.edexcel.com or www.btec.co.uk. Alternatively, you
can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at
www.edexcel.com/contactus.
Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved
in education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100 languages,
we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high standards and
raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more about how we
can help you and your students at: www.pearson.com/uk
Summer 2025
Question Paper Log Number P78659A
Publications Code 9BN0_03_2506_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2025
,General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to
their perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should
be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if
the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark
scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the
principles by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be
limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has
, Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a)(i) An answer that makes reference to two of the following:
• change in species (of plants and animals) (1) ALLOW change in community
IGNORE organisms
• taking place over time (1)
• leading to a climax community (1) (2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a)(ii) An answer that makes reference to the following: Example of calculation
• correct values taken from the graph (1) 16 - 2 = 14
1995 – 1986 = 9
(ALLOW 14.2 and 9)
• correct answer given to two significant figures with an 14 ÷ 9 = 1.6 (species) year-1
appropriate unit (1)
e.g. of acceptable unit (species) per
year / (species) per y
One mark can be given for 1.6 with no
units
(2)
Correct answer with no working gains
full marks
Mark Scheme (Results)
Summer 2025
Pearson Edexcel A Level GCE
In Biology A Salters - Nuffield (9BN0)
Paper 03: General and Practical Applications in
Biology
,Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding
body. We provide a wide range of qualifications including academic, vocational,
occupational and specific programmes for employers. For further information visit
our qualifications websites at www.edexcel.com or www.btec.co.uk. Alternatively, you
can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at
www.edexcel.com/contactus.
Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved
in education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100 languages,
we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high standards and
raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more about how we
can help you and your students at: www.pearson.com/uk
Summer 2025
Question Paper Log Number P78659A
Publications Code 9BN0_03_2506_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2025
,General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to
their perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should
be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if
the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark
scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the
principles by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be
limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has
, Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a)(i) An answer that makes reference to two of the following:
• change in species (of plants and animals) (1) ALLOW change in community
IGNORE organisms
• taking place over time (1)
• leading to a climax community (1) (2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a)(ii) An answer that makes reference to the following: Example of calculation
• correct values taken from the graph (1) 16 - 2 = 14
1995 – 1986 = 9
(ALLOW 14.2 and 9)
• correct answer given to two significant figures with an 14 ÷ 9 = 1.6 (species) year-1
appropriate unit (1)
e.g. of acceptable unit (species) per
year / (species) per y
One mark can be given for 1.6 with no
units
(2)
Correct answer with no working gains
full marks
