2026-08-30T19:23:20.813576 image/svg+xml Matplotlib v3.10.9, https://matplotlib.org/ © EAGLE BEACON GLOBAL Fig. 1 shows a 24-hour body-temperature record fr...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a 24-hour body-temperature record from an offshore engineer. He has changed from day shifts to night shifts this week.
(a) Describe the pattern shown by the body-temperature line. [2]
(b) Explain how the suprachiasmatic nucleus helps control this daily pattern. [2]
(c) Use knowledge of circadian rhythms to explain one safety risk if the engineer starts work at 03:00. [2]
(d) Outline one way the engineer could reduce the effect of the shift change. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Temperature falls from midnight to a low point at about 06:00 [1], then rises to a peak at about 18:00 before falling again [1]. (b) The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a brain clock [1]. It receives information about light and helps regulate circadian rhythms / hormone release [1]. (c) At 03:00 he is near the low part of the body-temperature rhythm / likely to be sleepy [1]. This may reduce alertness and increase errors / accident risk [1]. (d) Any one: use bright light at an appropriate time [1] to shift the body clock / keep a regular sleep routine in a dark quiet room [1].
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