2024HSCShort answer

Q31 (b)

3 marks

Question

A study monitored the changes in the body temperature of a kookaburra (an Australian bird) and a human over a 24-hour period. The results of the study are shown in the graph.

Some endothermic organisms can display torpor (a significant decrease in physiological activity).
With reference to the graph, explain whether the human or the kookaburra was displaying torpor and if so, state the time this occurred.

Uncropped source page 32 for question 31.b; requires human review and cropping — Reviewed visual · source page 32

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Solution

Criteria	Marks
Provides a sound explanation of whether torpor is present in the human and kookaburra with reference to the graph	3
Provides a sound explanation of whether torpor is present in the kookaburra with reference to the graph	2
Provides some relevant information	1

Sample answer:

The human did not display torpor, since their body temperature remained fairly constant throughout the time period. This did not indicate a decrease in physiological functioning.

The kookaburra did display torpor, since they had a decrease in body temperature between 5 pm and 4 am, which indicates a decrease in physiological functioning.

Supplied marking guidance · human reviewed

Compare this with your working, not only your final sentence.

Syllabus alignment

Module 8 · Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

HomeostasisInvestigate behavioural, structural, physiological, hormonal, neural and plant water-balance mechanisms.

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