SCIE1020 Human Biology Mock Practice Exam
–Graded A
Section 1/4 40 Marks total
Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions
Select the most appropriate answer for each question. Each question is worth 2 marks.
Question 1–2 Refer to the passage below.
Decompression Sickness Case
A researcher observes that a specific group of individuals in a coastal town reports severe joint pain after
returning from deep-sea diving excursions. The researcher suggests that the rapid change in pressure causes
nitrogen gas to form bubbles in the blood, leading to the condition known as ’the bends’.
Question 1 2 marks
In the scenario described, the researcher’s suggestion that ’rapid change in pressure causes nitrogen bubbles’ is
an example of which step in the scientific method?
⃝ A A scientific law
√
B A hypothesis
⃝ C An observation
⃝ D A control group
Model answer:
The researcher is providing a tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon (joint pain after diving),
which acts as a guide for further investigation. This is the definition of a hypothesis according to the source
material.
,Question 2 2 marks
Which environmental factor is primarily responsible for the physiological distress experienced by the divers?
⃝ A Extreme cold
√
B Atmospheric pressure
⃝ C Lack of nutrients
⃝ D High oxygen concentration
Model answer:
According to the text, atmospheric (or barometric) pressure keeps gasses dissolved in the body. A rapid
reduction in this pressure causes Decompression Sickness (DCS).
Question 3 2 marks
Which hormone is produced by the pineal gland and is derived from serotonin?
⃝ A Cortisol
√
B Melatonin
⃝ C Insulin
⃝ D Aldosterone
Model answer:
The pineal gland produces and secretes melatonin, which is derived from serotonin and regulates sleep-wake
cycles.
, Question 4 2 marks
What is the primary function of insulin in the human body?
⃝ A Increase blood glucose levels
⃝ B Inhibit the release of glucagon
√
C Facilitate the uptake of glucose into body cells
⃝ D Promote the storage of triglycerides
Model answer:
Insulin is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood sugar by facilitating the transport of glucose into cells for
energy or storage.
Question 5 2 marks
Which structure in the brain connects the two cerebral hemispheres?
⃝ A Thalamus
⃝ B Hypothalamus
√
C Corpus callosum
⃝ D Pons
Model answer:
The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that facilitates communication between the left and right
cerebral hemispheres.
–Graded A
Section 1/4 40 Marks total
Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions
Select the most appropriate answer for each question. Each question is worth 2 marks.
Question 1–2 Refer to the passage below.
Decompression Sickness Case
A researcher observes that a specific group of individuals in a coastal town reports severe joint pain after
returning from deep-sea diving excursions. The researcher suggests that the rapid change in pressure causes
nitrogen gas to form bubbles in the blood, leading to the condition known as ’the bends’.
Question 1 2 marks
In the scenario described, the researcher’s suggestion that ’rapid change in pressure causes nitrogen bubbles’ is
an example of which step in the scientific method?
⃝ A A scientific law
√
B A hypothesis
⃝ C An observation
⃝ D A control group
Model answer:
The researcher is providing a tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon (joint pain after diving),
which acts as a guide for further investigation. This is the definition of a hypothesis according to the source
material.
,Question 2 2 marks
Which environmental factor is primarily responsible for the physiological distress experienced by the divers?
⃝ A Extreme cold
√
B Atmospheric pressure
⃝ C Lack of nutrients
⃝ D High oxygen concentration
Model answer:
According to the text, atmospheric (or barometric) pressure keeps gasses dissolved in the body. A rapid
reduction in this pressure causes Decompression Sickness (DCS).
Question 3 2 marks
Which hormone is produced by the pineal gland and is derived from serotonin?
⃝ A Cortisol
√
B Melatonin
⃝ C Insulin
⃝ D Aldosterone
Model answer:
The pineal gland produces and secretes melatonin, which is derived from serotonin and regulates sleep-wake
cycles.
, Question 4 2 marks
What is the primary function of insulin in the human body?
⃝ A Increase blood glucose levels
⃝ B Inhibit the release of glucagon
√
C Facilitate the uptake of glucose into body cells
⃝ D Promote the storage of triglycerides
Model answer:
Insulin is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood sugar by facilitating the transport of glucose into cells for
energy or storage.
Question 5 2 marks
Which structure in the brain connects the two cerebral hemispheres?
⃝ A Thalamus
⃝ B Hypothalamus
√
C Corpus callosum
⃝ D Pons
Model answer:
The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that facilitates communication between the left and right
cerebral hemispheres.
