Animal Nutrition

HKALE 1989 Biology Paper II ..................................................................................................... 2

HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I....................................................................................................... 2
HKALE 1992 Biology Paper II ..................................................................................................... 2
HKALE 1994 Biology Paper I....................................................................................................... 3
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper II ..................................................................................................... 3
HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I ................................................................................................ 6
HKALE 1992 Biology Paper II ............................................................................................... 6
HKALE 1994 Biology Paper I ................................................................................................ 7
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper II ............................................................................................... 8
HKALE 1989 Biology Paper II
7. (a) List the similarities and differences between saprophytic and parasitic nutrition. (4 marks)

(b) With reference to a named example, show how the structure of a saprophyte is related to its
mode of nutrition. (4 marks)

(c) (i) Draw labelled diagrams to show the life cycles of a named parasitic animal and a named
parasitic fungus.

(ii) Discuss the common adaptive features shown in the life cycles of both organisms to their
parasitic mode of life. (12 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I

4. With reference to human nutrition, tabulate the function, one main source and the deficiency symptom
associated with the following vitamins :

(a) B1
(b) C
(c) D (6 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1992 Biology Paper II

1. (a) Compare and contrast the dentition and digestive tracts of a named mammalian carnivore and a
named mammalian herbivore in relation to their diets. (14 marks)

(b) Discuss how herbivores and carnivores may differ in

(i) their relative population size.

(ii) their behaviour. (6 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1994 Biology Paper I
8. Using a table, list the function(s) and a food source for humans for each of the following minerals :

(a) calcium

(b) iodine

(c) iron (4 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1997 Biology Paper II

7. Human parasites belong to different taxonomic groups. Using one example from each of these groups,
describe the various modes of infection and the effects of these parasites on man. What preventive
measures would you adopt to reduce the risk of parasitic infection ? Indicate the biological basis and
rationale for such measures. (20 marks)

Suggested Solution
 Solution
HKALE 1989 Biology Paper II
7. (a) Similarities
Both : are heterotrophic 1
absorb soluble food 1

Differences
Parasitic nutrition Saprophytic nutrition
Energy derived from living organism Energy derived from dead organic matter 1
Very specific to their hosts Use a variety of food source 1
(4)
(b) Any suitable example e.g. Mucor / Rhlzopus
The mycelium consists of a mass of delicate branching hyphae. +
These provide a large surface area to volume ratio for contact with the food. +
The thin cell wall also facilitates the secretion of +
digestive enzymes and absorption of the digested food.
(4)
(c) (i) Any suitable animal example e g. Fasclola / Taenia
Any suitable fungal example e.g. Cystopus
Correct life cycle diagrams (2 each)
(6)
For example : 10 each
Cystopus mycelium
(n)

Zoospores Conidis Sporangia antheridia oogonia

Zoospores
meiosis
male nucleus oosphere

Oospore
fertilization
Zygote(2n)

9 each
 Tapeworm in gut

cysticerci eaten proliferation of

with meat proglottides

Cysticerci in intermediate fertilized eggs

muscle host : pig

Hexacanths Onchospheres
in gut

(ii) Common adaptive features :

involvement of a vector / lntermediate host dispersal agent to increase the
chance of infecting the host 2
production of any eggs / spores because of the difficulty of finding a new
host 2
dormant or resistant phases to overcome the period spent away from the
host 2
[N.B . In the answer, candidates should make references to specific stages in the
life cycles concerned.]
HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I
Vitamin Function Source Deficiency effect
4.
B1 Acts as a co-factor for wheat / rice germ, yeast Beri-beri, nervous 1++
decarboxylation, aids in extract, wholemeal flour, system affected - weak
chemical changes in liver, kidney, heart and painful, paralysis
respiration may occur; Oedema
C Involved in metabolism of Citrus fruits, green Scurvy - bleeding of
connective tissue and vegetables, potatoes, gums, wounds fail to 1++
production of normal skin. tomatoes heal, connective tissue
Essential for collagen fails to form
fibre synthesis
D Controls calcium Halibut / cod-liver oil, Rickets - failure of 1++
absorption from egg-yolk, margarine, growing bones to calcify;
digestive tract, involved action of sunlight on pain in bones,
in calcium metabolism (lipids) in skin spontaneous fractures,
important for bone and dental caries
teeth formation
N.B. deduct mark from total for not tabulating answers. (6)

HKALE 1992 Biology Paper II

Paper II Section A
1. (a) Carnivorous mammal
(e.g. dog) ()
incisors are small () for holding prey
/ flat chisel-like edge () to cut and
tear away flesh especially near bone
surface
Canines enlarged, sharp & pointed
() for piercing, grasping and killing
prey ()
Carnassial teeth () (=last premolar in
upper jaw and first molar in lower jaw) /
large, sharp and pointed for shearing
meat from bone through scissors type
Herbivorous mammal
(e.g. rabbit / sheep) ()
incisors with sharp cutting edges for
cropping of vegetation
chisel-shaped for gnawing incisors /
canines in upper jaw may be replaced by
a horny pad (e.g. in sheep) facilitates
cropping of vegetation when lower incisors
and canines press against pad
Canines absent / reduced()
Diastema ()
between incisors and premolars - a space
to facilitate manipulation of plant matter
()
Premolars & molars with (parallel) ridges
() for grinding plant materials ()
 action ()
growth of tooth stops at a certain stage
due to closure of pulp canal (1)
Jaw movement : vertical, limited
sideways movement. () facilitates
shearing and cutting of animal tissue
and crushing bones ()
Thorough chewing is unnecessary
since diet is protein-rich which is
efficiently digested by enzymes (1)
Teeth subjected to continual wear, pulp
canal retains opening and grow
throughout life / continuous growth (1)
open tooth ()
loose forwards, backward and sideways
movement (). Facilitates mechanical
grinding movement of plant materials ()
Thorough grinding is necessary to
increase the surface area for breakdown
by enzymes of commensal organisms in
the gut (1)

Rely on symbiotic bacteria / protozoans /

Relatively short alimentary canal ()
inhabiting in the caecum + appendix /
rumen + reticulum to carry out cellulose
digestion (1)
Relatively long alimentary canal ()
because digestion of plant material is
difficult ()
(14)

HKALE 1994 Biology Paper I

8. Mineral function(s) Food source(any one, first one
accepted only)
(a) Calcium Bone / enamel / tooth development () Milk, cheese ()
Blood clotting ()
Nervour co-ordination / muscle
contraction
(b) Iodine Constituent of thyroxine () Seafoods, salt ()
(c) Iron Oxygen carrier (form Haem group)( ) Liver, spinach, red meat () (4)
Electron carrier (form cytochromes)()
(Deduct 1 mark for no tabulation)
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper II
7. A human parasite can be a bacterium, protozoa, sporozoan, fungus, virus, platyhelminthes
and insect. These diverse organisms show different routes of infection producing different
effects on man. max 1
(1 - 3 marks / example. Examples must be of different types of parasites according to
taxonomic group. Mark to be given on group name mode of transmission and effect. The
mode of transmission must match with the disease quoted.)

(a) Modes of infection of different parasite Effects on host

(1) insect e.g. flea on hair, Itching
by contact

(2) fungus on skin peeling of skin, itching, detectable external skin

(e.g. Athletes foot) by contact appearance.

(3) bacterium (e.g. causing cholera) toxin from the bacterium causes diarrhea,
by taking contaminated water and leading to dehydration and possibly death.
food
(4) platyhelminthes (e.g. tapeworm) adult attaches to the intestine causing
by taking in meat containing the abdominal pain and nutrient depletion.
cysticercus

(5) virus (e.g. HIV / human immuno-deficiency virus particles infect T-lymphocytes causing their
virus) lysis, decrease immunity of the human body to
by blood/body fluid contact/sexual infection , no cure, therefore lethal.
contact

(6) Sporozoan / Protozoa (e.g. Plasmodium causes lysis of the red blood cells, host will
causing malaria) experience periodic fever and chill, damages
by female Anopheles mosquito liver cells because reproduce inside liver cells.
carrying the sporozoa sucking blood
of the host.

(b) Preventive measures at a personal level with biological rationale (1 mark each) max. 6

(1) Good personal hygiene (e.g. regular hair washing), keep ectoparasites to a low
level. 1
(2) Disinfect / cover wounds seal entrance to endoparasites. 1
(3) Cook food and treat water properly, will kill / slow down activity of pathogens. 1
(4) Good sanitation - keep environment clean, cover garbage, rid of stagnant and
dirty water, help to eliminate breeding places of parasite, vectors and secondary hosts. 1
(5) Healthy life style (optimistic attitude, persistent exercise, balanced diet etc.) -
ensures a good specific immune defence system against parasites. 1
(6) Safe sex for prevention of sexual disease, prevent / reduce transmission
through semen / body fluid.
(7) Vaccination and immunity.
(8) Food preservation.
(For both parts(a) and (b), markers to accept correct alternatives. In case of doubt,
must consult the chief examiner in charge of the section.)
Contents : max 15