Practice A.1.3 Transport with authentic IB Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like core principles, advanced applications, and practical problem-solving. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two systems that collaborate to regulate ventilation.
2.[2]
State two factors that increase ventilation rate during intense exercise.
3.[3]
Describe how partial pressure gradients drive the exchange of gases during exercise.
4.[4]
Explain how the circulatory system compensates for increased oxygen demand during interval training.
5.[4]
Outline the importance of cardiovascular control centers in adapting to variable intensity workloads.
6.[5]
Discuss the consequences of impaired gas exchange on homeostasis and athletic performance.
Question 2
SLPaper 1A
The graph shows the heart rate response (bpm) over 30 minutes for interval vs. continuous training.
Question:
Which of the following best explains the heart rate pattern seen in the interval training group?
Question 3
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the role of the hypothalamus in temperature regulation.
2.[2]
Identify two internal conditions regulated by homeostatic mechanisms.
3.[3]
Describe how the nervous system responds to an increase in body temperature.
4.[3]
Describe the function of insulin in blood glucose regulation.
5.[5]
Explain the role of the lungs in the transport of gases during exercise.
6.[5]
Discuss how the endocrine and nervous systems work together to maintain homeostasis during exercise.
Question 4
SLPaper 1A
Refer to the graph showing lung volumes.
Which label represents the Vital Capacity, the maximum volume of air that can be voluntarily moved into and out of the lungs?
Question 5
SLPaper 1A
A bar graph showing the percentage of cardiac output redistributed to different organs at rest and during maximal exercise.
Based on the graph, which of the following best describes how cardiac output is redistributed during maximal exercise?
Question 6
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the primary function of hemoglobin.
2.[2]
Identify two byproducts of aerobic metabolism.
3.[3]
Describe how oxygen is transported in the blood.
4.[3]
Explain how the circulatory system supports muscle function during exercise.
5.[5]
Outline the role of capillaries in gas and nutrient exchange.
6.[5]
Discuss how the respiratory and cardiovascular systems interact to meet the demands of working muscles.
Question 7
SLPaper 1B
An investigation was conducted to explore how tidal volume, respiratory rate, and minute ventilation change in response to increasing exercise intensity. Participants included trained males, trained females, and untrained males. Data were collected during rest and at various stages of exercise using spirometry and VO₂ max testing protocols. Additionally, ventilation parameters were compared between sexes under resting and exercising conditions.
Figure 1: Ventilatory Response to Exercise Intensity
| Subject | Body Mass (kg) | VO₂ max (mL/kg/min) | Max TV (L) | Max RR (breaths/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trained Male | 82 | 62 | 3.5 | 40 |
| Trained Female | 60 | 58 | 3.0 | 44 |
| Untrained Male | 80 | 35 | 2.5 | 38 |
1.[2]
Referring to Figure 1, describe how tidal volume and respiratory rate change as exercise intensity increases.
2.[2]
Explain why minute ventilation increases significantly at high exercise intensities.
3.[3]
Using the table, calculate the maximum minute ventilation (in L/min) for each subject
4.[2]
Use your calculations from the previous qustion to discuss how aerobic fitness level may influence ventilatory capacity.
5.[1]
State why trained individuals may achieve higher tidal volumes than untrained individuals.
6.[3]
Using Figure 2, compare male and female ventilatory values during rest and exercise along with two reasons.
7.[1]
State one controlled variable that must be kept constant when testing minute ventilation at different exercise intensities.
8.[2]
Minute ventilation is one factor influencing performance in endurance events. Explain how improved ventilatory function can enhance performance in aerobic sports like rowing or distance running.
Question 8
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the function of baroreceptors.
2.[2]
Identify two systems involved in the regulation of blood pressure.
3.[3]
Outline the role of the medulla oblongata in cardiovascular regulation.
4.[3]
Explain how the nervous system maintains blood pressure during standing.
5.[5]
Describe how the endocrine and nervous systems coordinate to regulate blood pressure under stress.
6.[5]
Discuss the importance of inter-system communication in maintaining stable blood pressure during dynamic exercise.
Question 9
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify the two types of feedback mechanisms used in homeostasis.
2.[2]
State two reasons why maintaining core body temperature is essential for survival.
3.[3]
Describe how changes in external temperature are detected and communicated to the hypothalamus.
4.[4]
Explain the process by which the hypothalamus regulates thermoregulation via endocrine signaling.
5.[4]
Outline how prolonged fluid loss during endurance activity challenges homeostasis.
6.[5]
Discuss how the integration of thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems delays fatique and maintains homeostasis during an ultra-endurance event.
Question 10
SLPaper 1A
Using the graph provided, which of the following best explains the trend in stroke volume as exercise intensity increases beyond 50% of maximum workload?