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IB Biology HL D3.1 Reproduction Questions

Practise IB Biology HL D3.1 with evidence-led questions on gamete formation, fertilization, reproductive hormones, pregnancy, development and contraception.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Compare asexual clones with sexual reproduction; link meiosis and gamete fusion to ploidy and variation.
  • Identify human reproductive structures from diagrams and explain their functions.
  • Interpret ovarian and uterine hormone graphs and explain FSH/LH feedback.
  • Explain fertilisation from acrosome penetration to nuclear fusion and the cortical block to polyspermy.
  • Sequence IVF from FSH treatment and egg collection to embryo culture and transfer.
  • Identify floral structures and infer haploid meiotic products in anthers.
  • Trace pollen-tube growth to fertilisation and relate insect-flower adaptations to pollen transfer.
  • Explain how dioecy and self-incompatibility promote cross-pollination and reduce inbreeding.
  • Link seed dispersal to reduced competition; trace water, gibberellin and amylase in germination.
  • Trace hypothalamic GnRH through pituitary FSH/LH to sex-hormone production at puberty.
  • Compare spermatogenesis and oogenesis using meiotic stages, ploidy and cell outputs.
  • Trace blastocyst formation and implantation; explain HCG tests and corpus-luteum maintenance.
  • Explain placental exchange and pregnancy hormones; trace oxytocin-prostaglandin feedback in labour.

Covered syllabus points

D3.1.1—Sexual vs. asexual reproductionD3.1.2—Role of meiosis and gamete fusionD3.1.3—Male vs. female sexesD3.1.4—Human reproductive system anatomyD3.1.5—Ovarian and uterine cyclesD3.1.6—Fertilization in humansD3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)D3.1.8—Sexual reproduction in flowering plantsD3.1.9—Insect-pollinated flower featuresD3.1.10—Promoting cross-pollinationD3.1.11—Self-incompatibility mechanismsD3.1.12—Seed dispersal and germinationD3.1.13 (HL)—Puberty controlD3.1.14 (HL)—GametogenesisD3.1.15 (HL)—Preventing polyspermyD3.1.16 (HL)—Blastocyst and implantationD3.1.17 (HL)—Pregnancy testingD3.1.18 (HL)—Placenta roleD3.1.19 (HL)—Hormonal controlD3.1.20 (HL)—Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Which diagram(s) represent(s) processes used in asexual reproduction?

Figure for Question 1 — IB Biology HL
A

I only

B

I and II only

C

II only

D

I, II and III

Question 2

[Maximum number: 4]

Members of a species typically all have the same number of chromosomes.

Explain the need for both fusion of gametes and meiosis in a sexual life cycle.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 18]

Question (a)

(a)

Draw a labelled diagram of the male reproductive system.

[ 4 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Outline the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

[ 6 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Explain how the structure and functions of the placenta maintain pregnancy.

[ 8 ]
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