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AQA GCSE · Question 10.5 · Socio-cultural Influences and Well-being in Physical Activity and Sport
Somatotyping is a method of classifying body types.
Complete Table 1 to identify the correct somatotype from the description.
Give a sporting example that each somatotype would be most suited to.
Description Somatotype Sporting example A pear-shaped body with wide hips and narrow shoulders Muscular appearance with wide shoulders and narrow hips
Somatotyping is a method of classifying body types.
Complete Table 1 to identify the correct somatotype from the description.
Give a sporting example that each somatotype would be most suited to.
| Description | Somatotype | Sporting example |
|---|---|---|
| A pear-shaped body with wide hips and narrow shoulders | ||
| Muscular appearance with wide shoulders and narrow hips |
How to approach this question
For the first row, identify the somatotype with high body fat, wide hips, and narrow shoulders (Endomorph) and name a sport where size and mass are an advantage. For the second row, identify the muscular somatotype (Mesomorph) and name a sport requiring power and speed.
Full Answer
| Description | Somatotype | Sporting example |
|------------------------------------------------------------|------------|------------------|
| A pear-shaped body with wide hips and narrow shoulders | Endomorph | Sumo wrestler |
| Muscular appearance with wide shoulders and narrow hips | Mesomorph | 100m sprinter |
Somatotyping is a classification system for body shapes.
- **Endomorph**: Characterised by a higher percentage of body fat, a pear-shaped body, and a tendency to gain weight easily. Their size and mass can be an advantage in sports like sumo wrestling or shot putting.
- **Mesomorph**: Characterised by a muscular build, wide shoulders, narrow hips, and low body fat. This body type is suited to sports requiring power, strength, and speed, such as sprinting, gymnastics, or swimming.
- **Ectomorph**: Characterised by a lean, slender build with narrow shoulders and hips. They excel in endurance sports like marathon running or high jump.
Common mistakes
Mixing up endomorph and mesomorph. Providing a poor sporting example, e.g., a marathon runner for an endomorph.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 2
25 questions · hints · full answers · grading
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