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AQA · GCSE · Biology · Higher

Hoverfly warning-marking survival

Q01.4 3 marks

The hoverfly and the wasp are insects with bright yellow and black markings. Figure 1 shows a hoverfly and a wasp.

Figure 1
Figure 1

Figure 1

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Figure 1

The wasp has a sting to defend itself against predators. The hoverfly does not have a sting. Hoverflies and wasps live in the same habitat.

Explain how having yellow and black markings helps the hoverfly survive.

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Marking points

  1. 1 Links the hoverfly's similar appearance/marking pattern to the wasp.
  2. 2 Explains that predators avoid wasps because they may be stung.
  3. 3 Explains that predators therefore do not attack or eat the hoverfly.

Full-mark answer

The hoverfly's markings make it look like a wasp. Predators avoid wasps because they could be stung, so they also avoid attacking or eating the hoverfly.

Why this answer loses marks

The predator thinks the hoverfly is dangerous.

This does not say predators avoid being stung or link that avoidance to the hoverfly not being attacked or eaten.

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