Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

The testes are located outside the abdominal cavity in the scrotum because sperm formation (spermatogenesis) requires a lower temperature than normal body temperature. The scrotum acts as a temperature-regulating structure, keeping the testes cooler than the rest of the body.

If the testes fail to descend into the scrotum (or if this lower temperature is not maintained), the higher internal body temperature would inhibit or stop sperm formation. This would result in little or no sperm production, directly reducing the male's fertility or causing infertility.

Source: Chapter 7, Section 7.3.3(a) — Male Reproductive System

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• Key fact to state: Testes are in the scrotum because sperm formation needs lower temperature — this is the direct cause-effect the examiner wants.
• Link to fertility: Always complete the "why would failure affect fertility" part — no sperm = infertility. Examiners award a mark specifically for this consequence.
• Avoid over-explaining; 3 marks = ~3 clear points: (1) location of testes, (2) reason (lower temperature needed), (3) consequence of failure.