This question tested knowledge about the male and female reproductive systems. Correct responses were common but it was clear that some students wrongly think that the testes release oestrogen, and that implantation and gamete formation occur in the oviduct. Q5. This question explored events in the body of a female linked to reproduction. The correct answer in part (a) (i) was 15 days but it was not uncommon to find the incorrect answer of 14 days. These candidates most probably failed to see the temperature of 36.9 on day 28 in the table. Days 14 or 15 were accepted in part (ii) and most gained candidates credit. A pleasing number understood the term 'accurately' in part (iii) and mentioned that a thermometer needed to be digital or clinical and that it needed to be placed in a part of the body that most closely reflected the true body temperature. In part (b) (i) and (ii), only the least able candidates failed to name oestrogen and progesterone correctly. Occasionally these hormones were listed in the wrong order, and sometimes FSH and LH were incorrectly named. A surprising number of candidates seem unaware that hormones travel in the blood to their target. As such, answers to part (iii) were disappointing. The examiners believe this might be another example of students not reading the question carefully because the term 'oviduct' was often chosen, presumably candidates thinking that the question was asking how the 'egg' travels from the ovary to the uterus. Candidates did very well in part (iv) with almost 70% gaining two marks.
This question tested knowledge about the male and female reproductive systems. Correct responses were common but it was clear that some students wrongly think that the testes release oestrogen, and that implantation and gamete formation occur in the oviduct. Q5. This question explored events in the body of a female linked to reproduction. The correct answer in part (a) (i) was 15 days but it was not uncommon to find the incorrect answer of 14 days. These candidates most probably failed to see the temperature of 36.9 on day 28 in the table. Days 14 or 15 were accepted in part (ii) and most gained candidates credit. A pleasing number understood the term 'accurately' in part (iii) and mentioned that a thermometer needed to be digital or clinical and that it needed to be placed in a part of the body that most closely reflected the true body temperature. In part (b) (i) and (ii), only the least able candidates failed to name oestrogen and progesterone correctly. Occasionally these hormones were listed in the wrong order, and sometimes FSH and LH were incorrectly named. A surprising number of candidates seem unaware that hormones travel in the blood to their target. As such, answers to part (iii) were disappointing. The examiners believe this might be another example of students not reading the question carefully because the term 'oviduct' was often chosen, presumably candidates thinking that the question was asking how the 'egg' travels from the ovary to the uterus. Candidates did very well in part (iv) with almost 70% gaining two marks.
3a-reproduction.docx