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IB Biology HL D3.2.14 Continuous Variation Questions

Analyse how many genes and environmental effects produce continuous human-trait variation, then interpret its distributions and data in IB Biology HL D3.2.14.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Explain continuous variation as the result of polygenic inheritance and environmental effects, using height, skin colour or body mass as a named example.
  • Distinguish continuous from discrete variation and identify polygenic inheritance from a stated trait distribution.
  • Interpret a graph or data distribution for a continuously varying trait, including a modal range or relationship between measurements.

Learn this topic

Study D3.2.14—Continuous variation conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Biology HL D3.2.14 Continuous Variation Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Male and female human skeletons obtained from different archaeological sites in Greece were studied in order to find trends in human height evolution in Europe. The box-and

whisker plots show heights of skeletons dating from two historical periods: Neolithic (6500-3000 BC) and Roman (146-324 AD).

Figure for Question IB Biology HL D3.2.14 Continuous Variation Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Using the data, discuss the hypothesis that variation in human height is due to polygenic inheritance.

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