9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Potential questions for Pearson Edexcel Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
for use with Question 8 – Paper 3, June 2025
In paper 3, the last question (question 8) is based on a pre-released scientific article a total of 30
marks.
In this document, you will find the following in relation to the Scientific Article for question 8 for
Biology A (Salters Nuffield) 9BN0/03:
o Article Summary (244 words) and a more concise version of 49 words
o o Summary of each sub-section of the article (for about 100 words and a more
concise one at about 20 words)
o Five (5) Key Takeaways for the entire article (these are the things you should know
and understand from this article before the exam).
o Vocabulary and Definitions of unknown words for each paragraph
o Key Take aways for each paragraph
o 314 potential questions each with its answer
➢ The questions are based on the scientific article
➢ 70% of them are linked to the syllabus, thus this document can be used for
revision as well
➢ Includes definitions
The article is available at the end of this booklet.
Summary of the article (244 words):
The article "The Big Sleep" by Alex Wilkins explores the possibility that human ancestors may
have had the ability to hibernate and what that could mean for modern health and space travel.
1
,9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
It discusses the evidence suggesting that many mammals retain genetic traits related to
hibernation, potentially offering medical and technological benefits.
Hibernation, defined as a metabolic slowdown rather than sleep, involves a state called torpor,
where body temperature and energy use decrease. This varies across species, from small
mammals like ground squirrels, which can reduce their body temperature close to freezing, to
bears, which suppress metabolism without a significant drop in temperature. Scientists believe
that if humans could enter a form of synthetic torpor, it could help in medical treatments and
space travel.
Research into hibernation genetics is progressing, with studies identifying genes and molecules
that help hibernators avoid conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems, and
osteoporosis. Scientists, such as those at Fauna Bio, are comparing genomes to find ways to
mimic hibernation’s health benefits in humans.
Space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency are also investigating hibernation as a
way to sustain astronauts during long-duration missions. By reducing metabolic activity,
hibernation could minimize the need for food, reduce radiation exposure, and preserve muscle
and bone structure in microgravity.
Finally, neuroscience research on neurotransmitters like adenosine is exploring how brain
pathways involved in hibernation might be activated in humans, potentially leading to new
treatments for hypothermia, strokes, and even aging.
The summary of the summary is (49 words):
The article explores the possibility that human ancestors hibernated and how hibernation
research could benefit medicine and space travel. Scientists study hibernation genetics to
develop treatments for diseases and improve astronaut survival. Space agencies investigate
synthetic torpor to reduce food needs, radiation exposure, and muscle loss on long missions.
2
,9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
5 Key Take Away for the entire article:
• Ancestral Hibernation Possibility: The article discusses the intriguing idea that early human
ancestors might have had the genetic capability to enter a hibernation-like state. This theory
is supported by evidence suggesting that many mammals share a common hibernation trait
inherited from a common ancestor.
• Metabolic Suppression and Health Benefits: Hibernation isn’t just about lowering body
temperature—it involves a controlled reduction in metabolism. This state (or torpor) not
only helps animals survive extreme conditions but might also protect against conditions such
as Alzheimer’s, strokes, and heart attacks, and even contribute to longevity.
• Comparative Genomics and Gene Identification: Researchers are using tissue banks and
comparative genomics to pinpoint the genes that trigger and control hibernation.
Understanding these genetic switches could lead to the development of therapies that
mimic the protective effects of hibernation in humans.
• Applications in Space Travel: The article highlights interest from space agencies in
harnessing hibernation’s benefits. By inducing a shallow torpor similar to that seen in large
mammals (like bears), astronauts might one day mitigate issues such as muscle and bone
loss, and other spaceflight-induced stresses on long-duration missions.
• Potential for Novel Therapeutic Approaches: Beyond space travel, insights into the neural
and metabolic mechanisms of hibernation open the door to innovative medical treatments.
For example, drugs that modulate metabolic rates or the activity of key neurotransmitters
(like adenosine) could be used to safely induce protective hypothermia or enhance tissue
repair in humans.
More concise:
• Latent Hibernation Trait: Early human ancestors might have possessed the ability to
hibernate.
• Metabolic Protection: Hibernation reduces metabolism, potentially guarding against
diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart attacks.
• Genetic Insights: Comparative genomics is uncovering the genes that control hibernation.
• Space Applications: Mimicking hibernation could help astronauts endure long-duration
space travel.
• Therapeutic Potential: Understanding hibernation could lead to novel treatments and anti-
ageing strategies.
3
, 9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Questions, Answers, Vocabulary per Paragraph:
Section 1: The Big Sleep
106-word summary:
This section introduces the concept that human ancestors may have been capable of hibernation,
suggesting that hibernation is not exclusive to typical hibernators like dormice or hedgehogs. It
explains that many mammals share underlying genetic mechanisms that allow for a reduced-
energy state called torpor, where metabolism and body temperature are lowered. The article
discusses the continuum of hibernation—from extreme cases in small mammals to milder forms
in bears—and proposes that even a shallow, synthetic torpor in humans could yield significant
benefits. These benefits might include improved resistance to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and
heart conditions, enhanced longevity, and potential applications in long-duration space travel.
18-word summary:
It explores ancestral hibernation, detailing torpor’s biological spectrum and suggesting synthetic
torpor could revolutionize medicine and space travel.
Key Take Away: The key takeaway is that hibernation, through its state of torpor, may be an
ancient, inherent trait in mammals—including possibly human ancestors—and understanding
this process could lead to revolutionary medical and space travel applications.
Paragraph 1:
Rewind: To go back in time; here, it means imagining going back millions of years.
Evolutionary: Related to evolution, the process by which species change over time.
Ancestors: Earlier generations or forebears from whom modern humans are descended.
Remarkable: Worthy of attention; unusual or extraordinary.
Scarce: Not plentiful; in short supply.
Cold Snap: A sudden, brief period of cold weather.
Hibernating: Entering a state of inactivity or deep rest to conserve energy.
Paragraph Takeaway: Introduces the idea that ancient human ancestors might have been
capable of hibernation under adverse conditions, hinting at a latent evolutionary trait.
1. What hypothetical trait is suggested for ancient human ancestors?
o Ancestors may have been capable of hibernation.
o They could enter a low-energy state similar to modern hibernators.
4
Potential questions for Pearson Edexcel Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
for use with Question 8 – Paper 3, June 2025
In paper 3, the last question (question 8) is based on a pre-released scientific article a total of 30
marks.
In this document, you will find the following in relation to the Scientific Article for question 8 for
Biology A (Salters Nuffield) 9BN0/03:
o Article Summary (244 words) and a more concise version of 49 words
o o Summary of each sub-section of the article (for about 100 words and a more
concise one at about 20 words)
o Five (5) Key Takeaways for the entire article (these are the things you should know
and understand from this article before the exam).
o Vocabulary and Definitions of unknown words for each paragraph
o Key Take aways for each paragraph
o 314 potential questions each with its answer
➢ The questions are based on the scientific article
➢ 70% of them are linked to the syllabus, thus this document can be used for
revision as well
➢ Includes definitions
The article is available at the end of this booklet.
Summary of the article (244 words):
The article "The Big Sleep" by Alex Wilkins explores the possibility that human ancestors may
have had the ability to hibernate and what that could mean for modern health and space travel.
1
,9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
It discusses the evidence suggesting that many mammals retain genetic traits related to
hibernation, potentially offering medical and technological benefits.
Hibernation, defined as a metabolic slowdown rather than sleep, involves a state called torpor,
where body temperature and energy use decrease. This varies across species, from small
mammals like ground squirrels, which can reduce their body temperature close to freezing, to
bears, which suppress metabolism without a significant drop in temperature. Scientists believe
that if humans could enter a form of synthetic torpor, it could help in medical treatments and
space travel.
Research into hibernation genetics is progressing, with studies identifying genes and molecules
that help hibernators avoid conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems, and
osteoporosis. Scientists, such as those at Fauna Bio, are comparing genomes to find ways to
mimic hibernation’s health benefits in humans.
Space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency are also investigating hibernation as a
way to sustain astronauts during long-duration missions. By reducing metabolic activity,
hibernation could minimize the need for food, reduce radiation exposure, and preserve muscle
and bone structure in microgravity.
Finally, neuroscience research on neurotransmitters like adenosine is exploring how brain
pathways involved in hibernation might be activated in humans, potentially leading to new
treatments for hypothermia, strokes, and even aging.
The summary of the summary is (49 words):
The article explores the possibility that human ancestors hibernated and how hibernation
research could benefit medicine and space travel. Scientists study hibernation genetics to
develop treatments for diseases and improve astronaut survival. Space agencies investigate
synthetic torpor to reduce food needs, radiation exposure, and muscle loss on long missions.
2
,9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
5 Key Take Away for the entire article:
• Ancestral Hibernation Possibility: The article discusses the intriguing idea that early human
ancestors might have had the genetic capability to enter a hibernation-like state. This theory
is supported by evidence suggesting that many mammals share a common hibernation trait
inherited from a common ancestor.
• Metabolic Suppression and Health Benefits: Hibernation isn’t just about lowering body
temperature—it involves a controlled reduction in metabolism. This state (or torpor) not
only helps animals survive extreme conditions but might also protect against conditions such
as Alzheimer’s, strokes, and heart attacks, and even contribute to longevity.
• Comparative Genomics and Gene Identification: Researchers are using tissue banks and
comparative genomics to pinpoint the genes that trigger and control hibernation.
Understanding these genetic switches could lead to the development of therapies that
mimic the protective effects of hibernation in humans.
• Applications in Space Travel: The article highlights interest from space agencies in
harnessing hibernation’s benefits. By inducing a shallow torpor similar to that seen in large
mammals (like bears), astronauts might one day mitigate issues such as muscle and bone
loss, and other spaceflight-induced stresses on long-duration missions.
• Potential for Novel Therapeutic Approaches: Beyond space travel, insights into the neural
and metabolic mechanisms of hibernation open the door to innovative medical treatments.
For example, drugs that modulate metabolic rates or the activity of key neurotransmitters
(like adenosine) could be used to safely induce protective hypothermia or enhance tissue
repair in humans.
More concise:
• Latent Hibernation Trait: Early human ancestors might have possessed the ability to
hibernate.
• Metabolic Protection: Hibernation reduces metabolism, potentially guarding against
diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart attacks.
• Genetic Insights: Comparative genomics is uncovering the genes that control hibernation.
• Space Applications: Mimicking hibernation could help astronauts endure long-duration
space travel.
• Therapeutic Potential: Understanding hibernation could lead to novel treatments and anti-
ageing strategies.
3
, 9BN0/03 – Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Questions, Answers, Vocabulary per Paragraph:
Section 1: The Big Sleep
106-word summary:
This section introduces the concept that human ancestors may have been capable of hibernation,
suggesting that hibernation is not exclusive to typical hibernators like dormice or hedgehogs. It
explains that many mammals share underlying genetic mechanisms that allow for a reduced-
energy state called torpor, where metabolism and body temperature are lowered. The article
discusses the continuum of hibernation—from extreme cases in small mammals to milder forms
in bears—and proposes that even a shallow, synthetic torpor in humans could yield significant
benefits. These benefits might include improved resistance to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and
heart conditions, enhanced longevity, and potential applications in long-duration space travel.
18-word summary:
It explores ancestral hibernation, detailing torpor’s biological spectrum and suggesting synthetic
torpor could revolutionize medicine and space travel.
Key Take Away: The key takeaway is that hibernation, through its state of torpor, may be an
ancient, inherent trait in mammals—including possibly human ancestors—and understanding
this process could lead to revolutionary medical and space travel applications.
Paragraph 1:
Rewind: To go back in time; here, it means imagining going back millions of years.
Evolutionary: Related to evolution, the process by which species change over time.
Ancestors: Earlier generations or forebears from whom modern humans are descended.
Remarkable: Worthy of attention; unusual or extraordinary.
Scarce: Not plentiful; in short supply.
Cold Snap: A sudden, brief period of cold weather.
Hibernating: Entering a state of inactivity or deep rest to conserve energy.
Paragraph Takeaway: Introduces the idea that ancient human ancestors might have been
capable of hibernation under adverse conditions, hinting at a latent evolutionary trait.
1. What hypothetical trait is suggested for ancient human ancestors?
o Ancestors may have been capable of hibernation.
o They could enter a low-energy state similar to modern hibernators.
4
