May/June 2026 Paper 52

2026 · 2 questions · 14 parts · 30 marks

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Context for question 2
A butterfly is a flying insect. One species of butterfly, the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris brassicae, is shown in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1, a photograph of a cabbage white butterfly, Pieris brassicae, viewed from above with its wings spread flat, showing black tips and two black spots on each forewing and a black mark on each hindwing
Some scientists are carrying out a long-term project to estimate the population size of all butterfly species in the UK. The scientists have asked people living in the UK to help them to collect the data. A modified belt transect is one of the methods used to collect the data. The recommended method for the modified belt transect is to:
  • walk at a slow pace along a transect line
  • identify all the butterfly species within 2.5 m on each side of the transect line
  • count the number of individuals of each species within 2.5 m on each side of the transect line
2(a)(i)Classification Nomenclature Taxonomic KeysEasy1 mark
Suggest how each species of butterfly could be identified.

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2(a)(ii)Sampling FieldworkEasy2 marks
The scientists standardised the width of the belt transect. State two other variables that should be standardised when carrying out this belt transect.

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2(a)(iii)Sampling FieldworkHard3 marks
Discuss the limitations of the method used to collect data.

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2(b)Biodiversity Diversity IndicesMedium2 marks
The scientists plan to compare the diversity of butterfly species found in urban areas (towns and cities) and rural areas (e.g. farmland and woodland). Predict whether a greater diversity of butterfly species is found in urban areas or rural areas. Explain your answer.
Prediction and explanation
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2(c)Maths Skills BiologyEasy2 marks
In another study, the number of individuals of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris brassicae (shown in Figure 2.1), was counted each day over a four-year period and recorded. For each year, the highest number of butterflies counted in one day was identified. The results are shown in Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2, a bar chart of the highest number of cabbage white butterflies counted in one day (y-axis, 0 to 14000) for the years 2011 to 2014 (x-axis): about 7000 in 2011, about 2300 in 2012, about 13500 in 2013 and about 4200 in 2014
Figure 2.2 shows that there is an increase in the highest number of cabbage white butterflies counted in one day from 2012 to 2013. Use Figure 2.2 to calculate the percentage increase from 2012 to 2013. Give your answer to three significant figures.
Percentage increase