IB Biology SL D3.1 Reproduction Question Bank
Practise IB Biology SL D3.1 by comparing reproduction, identifying anatomy and tracing hormones, fertilization and reproductive technology.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Practise IB Biology SL D3.1 by comparing reproduction, identifying anatomy and tracing hormones, fertilization and reproductive technology.
This redwood tree (Sequoia sempervirens) was blown over in 1936, but five side branches formed new roots and are now separate trees.
Three of the new trees formed from side branches of the original tree

If the genomes of the five new trees were sequenced, predict with a reason how similar they would be to each other.
a. identical/the same;
b. (because of) asexual reproduction/vegetative propagation/mitosis/DNA replication;
c. clones/produced by cloning;
d. any differences would be due to mutation;
2
Marking guidance:
max
Draw a labelled diagram of the human adult male reproductive system.
Scrotum; shown around testes.
Testis/testicle; shown inside scrotum.
Epididymis; shown adjacent to testis and connected to sperm duct.
Sperm duct/vas deferens; double line connecting testis/epididymis to urethra.
Seminal vesicles; sac shown branched off sperm duct, not off the urethra.
Prostate gland; shown positioned where sperm duct connects with urethra.
Urethra; shown as double line linking bladder to end of penis.
Penis; with urethra passing through it.
Award [1] for each structure clearly drawn and labelled that conforms to the italicized guidelines given.
A verified official answer image is still needed because this answer requires diagram/spatial placement.
Preserve all accept/do not accept/award/N.B./max guidance from the official markscheme.
Outline the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle.
FSH (released from pituitary) stimulates follicle growth (in ovary); oocytes/egg cells mature;
cells of growing follicle produce estrogen; estrogen signals endometrium/lining of uterus to thicken;
causes final maturation of follicle; high levels of estrogen stimulate secretion of LH;
LH spike stimulates ovulation/follicle ruptures releasing oocyte/ova/egg cells;
LH stimulates follicle (left behind in ovary) to develop into corpus luteum;
LH stimulates corpus luteum to secrete progesterone/estrogen; progesterone/estrogen stimulates continued development/maintenance of lining of uterus (in preparation for implantation of embryo);
if no pregnancy then corpus luteum disintegrates;
drop in progesterone/estrogen hormone levels causes breakdown in uterine lining/menstruation; progesterone/estrogen inhibit FSH/LH release;