Sample answer to Question 1 Paper 3 (Pg 196 Bioscore)

a)

Pattern of thumbprints	No of students with the same pattern of thumbprint
Whorl	12
Loop	10
Composite	22
Arch	6

b) i)

1. The number of students with the pattern of thumbprint composite is 22.

2. The number of students with the pattern of thumbprint arch is 6.

(ii)

1. The number students with the pattern of thumbprint composite is high because

     it is a dominant trait.

2.  The number of students with the pattern of thumbprint arch is low because it

     is a recessive trait.

Variable	Method to handle the variable
Manipulated variable Pattern of thumbprints	Use different types of thumbprints which are composite, loop, whorl and arch
Responding variable Number of students with the same pattern of thumbprints	Count and record the number of student with each pattern of thumbprint by using thumbprint set.
Controlled variable Type of fingers	Fix the type of finger  to be same

(d) When the pattern of thumbprint is composite, the number of students is the highest.

(e)i)

Pattern of thumbprints	No of students with the same pattern of thumbprint
Whorl	12
Loop	10
Composite	22
Arch	6

(ii) Draw a bar chart

(f) The type of variation found in thumbprint is discontinuous variation because the is no range/intermediate values between the different thumbprint pattern and falls in a distinct/discrete category.

(g) Bell shape/normal distribution.

Height is a continuous variation and it has intermediate values and is influenced by genetic and environment factors.