1 Fig. 1.1 is a dichotomous key. It can be used to identify different types of tree by using their leaves. Does the leaf have a single leaf shape? Does the leaf have a smooth, unlobed edge? Is the width of the leaf smaller than the length of the leaf? Are the edges spiky? Aesculus Plumeria Syringa Ilex Quercus Sorbus Do the leaflets (individual leaves) join at one point on the stalk? yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no Fig. 1.1 Fig. 1.2 shows leaves from six different trees. Use the key in Fig. 1.1 to identify the six different types of tree. Write the name of each tree on the lines in Fig. 1.2. … … … … … … Fig. 1.2 [5]

1 Ilex Quercus Syringa Sorbus Aesculus Plumeria ;;;;; 5 must be in this order 6 correct = 5 marks 4 or 5 correct = 4 marks 3 correct = 3 marks 2 correct = 2 marks 1 correct = 1 mark

1 (a) State the name of the large group of organisms that includes insects, arachnids, crustaceans and myriapods. … [1] (b) Fig. 1.1 shows a key that identifies nine genera of invertebrates that have jointed legs. invertebrates with jointed legs three pairs of legs four pairs of legs five pairs of legs more than five pairs of legs no wings Pulex Musca Apis Araneus Heterometrus Cancer Homarus Lithobius Octoglena wings 1 pair of wings 2 pairs of wings no tail tail short antennae long antennae one pair of legs on each segment two pairs of legs on each segment INSECTS ARACHNIDS CRUSTACEANS MYRIAPODS Fig. 1.1 (i) Use the information in Fig. 1.1 to describe two features of Musca. 1 … … 2 … … [2] (ii) Fig. 1.2 shows one of the animals described in the key. pedipalp legs Fig. 1.2 Use the key in Fig. 1.1 to identify this animal. … [1] [Total: 4]

1(a) arthropods ; 1 1(b)(i) any 2 from: does not have a backbone ; 3 pairs of legs / 6 legs ; has (1 pair of) wings ; has jointed legs ; 2 1(b)(ii) Heterometrus ; 1

4 (a) The box on the left contains the words ‘Aerobic respiration’. The boxes on the right show some sentence endings. Draw lines to make three correct sentences about aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration involves the action of enzymes. occurs in animals only. produces water. requires carbon dioxide. releases less energy than anaerobic respiration. requires oxygen. [3] (b) One effect of the release of the hormone adrenaline is to increase blood glucose concentration. This allows more aerobic respiration to occur. (i) Place ticks (✓) in the correct boxes to show other effects of the release of adrenaline on the body. change in the genotype decreased breathing rate development of lung cancer increased pulse rate widened pupils [2] (ii) State the name of the gland that releases adrenaline. … [1] (iii) State how adrenaline is transported to its target organs. … … [1] (c) State the names of two hormones involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in humans. 1 … 2 … [2] (d) State the name of the organ that secretes the hormone insulin. … [1] (e) Organs, tissues and specialised cells are structures in the body that perform a particular function. Write these parts of the body in order of size from smallest to largest. cell DNA molecule organ organ system tissue smallest … … … … largest … [2] [Total: 12]

2(c) any three from: asexual reproduction: sexual reproduction: 1 both produce offspring / AW 2 one parent two parents 3 genetically identical offspring / clone genetically different offspring 4 no involvement of gametes (named) gametes 5 no fertilisation fertilisation / fusion of gametes 6 no variation variation 7 fast slow 8 mitosis meiosis (and mitosis) 9 less energy required more energy required ;;; 3 one mark per row response does not have to be in a table (a) To earn marks, you must draw three correct lines linking 'Aerobic respiration' to its correct sentence endings, such as 'involves the action of enzymes', 'produces water', and 'requires oxygen'. (b)(i) To earn marks, you must place ticks in the boxes next to 'increased pulse rate' and 'widened pupils'. (b)(ii) You earn the mark by stating 'adrenal gland'. (b)(iii) You earn the mark by stating that adrenaline is transported in the 'blood' or 'bloodstream'. (c) To earn marks, you must state the names of two hormones involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as 'testosterone' and 'oestrogen' (or 'estrogen').

4 (a) It is important for humans to consume a balanced diet. Describe what is meant by the term balanced diet. … … … … … [2] (b) Table 4.1 shows some of the different components of a balanced diet and their principal sources. Complete Table 4.1 using words from the list. Each word can only be used once or not at all. grapefruit milk olive oil rice tuna fish water Table 4.1 component example of principal source calcium carbohydrate protein vitamin C [4] (c) A diet that does not contain component X can cause constipation. State the name of component X. … [1] (d) A person’s diet contains too much energy and too much fat. Describe the possible risks of this diet. … … … … … [2] (e) State why a pregnant woman needs to eat more food than a woman who is not pregnant. … … … [1] (f) Nutrition is one of the characteristics of living things. State the names of three other characteristics of living things. 1 … 2 … 3 … [3] [Total: 13]

4(a) any two from: idea of, variety of / different / all, nutrients ; in the correct proportions / AW ; suitable energy content ; 2 4(b) component example of principal source calcium milk / tuna / grapefruit ; carbohydrate rice / milk / grapefruit ; protein tuna fish / milk ; vitamin C grapefruit ; 4 words can only be used once 4(c) fibre ; 1 A roughage / water 4(d) any two from: obesity ; (increased risk of) coronary heart disease ; AVP ; 2 4(e) any one from: to provide, food / nutrients, for fetus / AW ; for, growth / development, of fetus / AW ; 1 4(f) any three from: movement ; respiration ; sensitivity ; growth ; excretion ; reproduction ; 3

Cambridge IGCSE Biology · 0610

IGCSE Biology (0610) Characteristics of living organisms past paper questions

Questions on the characteristics shared by all living organisms and the classification of living things.

256 free questions from 2017–2021, each with its marking scheme. Open the full topical bank to filter by subtopic, paper, and year.

Characteristics of living organisms in IGCSE Biology 0610 exams, 2020–2025

Across 2020–2025, Characteristics of living organisms accounted for 309 questions worth 1,354 marks in Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) papers.

By year
Year	Questions	Marks
2020	47	176
2021	54	202
2022	55	275
2023	47	188
2024	52	212
2025	54	301

Most-tested subtopics

1.3 Features of organisms729 marks
1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems477 marks
1.1 Characteristics of living organisms182 marks

Appears in

Paper 1 · 123 qs
Paper 2 · 96 qs
Paper 3 · 36 qs
Paper 4 · 39 qs
Paper 5 · 7 qs
Paper 6 · 8 qs

All most-tested Biology topics

2021 May/Jun · Paper 3 · Q1 · 5 marks
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2021 May/Jun · Paper 3 · Q1 · 4 marks
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2021 May/Jun · Paper 3 · Q4 · 12 marks
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2021 Oct/Nov · Paper 3 · Q4 · 13 marks
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2021 Feb/Mar · Paper 1 · Q1 · 1 mark
Marking scheme
Mark scheme — 2021 Paper 1 Q1
Answer: D
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